Researchers found a significant increase in the time interval between first clinical abnormal breast exam and completion of diagnostic follow-up among African-American women compared to their European-American counterparts. The study analyzed medical data from women enrolled in a statewide program for economically disadvantaged and medically underserved patients in South Carolina.
Given the higher mortality rate among African-Americans with breast cancer, the research group from the University of South Carolina in Columbia identified an average median time of 44 days from breast exam to diagnostic follow-up for African-American women, compared with 40 days for European-American women. Their results will be published in the December 15, 2009, issue of the journal Cancer.
The team, led by Swann Arp Adams, Ph.D., was unable to pinpoint reasons for delays but suggested that typical barriers to healthcare, such as proximity of clinics, communication issues between healthcare providers and patients, and lack of transportation, are likely components.
When viewed within the larger context of time measured in the number of days between mammogram and date of final status, there was no significant effect of race. Therefore, the team concluded that racial differences may occur very early in the breast care process.
Related Reading
ACS report: Breast cancer death rate dropping, September 30, 2009
EMRs beat paper records in tracking mammo use among African-Americans, September 16, 2009
One-third of breast cancers overdiagnosed, European study finds, July 13, 2009
Canadian cancer screening rates rise, July 2, 2009
Declines in U.S. breast cancer rates not uniform, June 29, 2009
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