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Breast Cancer Deadlier for Black Women

Doctors' formula has underestimated risk, study finds

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Nov 28, 2007 2:48 PM CST

(Newser) – In calculating a woman's risk of breast cancer, doctors have been using a formula that underestimates the risk the disease poses to black women, reports the Washington Post.
A growing body of evidence shows that while black women are less likely to get breast cancer than their white counterparts, when they do it tends to be deadlier and more aggressive.

More than 19,000 African-Americans are diagnosed with breast cancer each year, and nearly 6,000 die of the disease. The formula, which was developed from studies on mostly white women, was recalibrated using data on black women by researchers at the National Cancer Institute. Experts hope the findings will prompt doctors and women to be more alert to signs of the disease and arrange for appropriate treatment quickly.

A large display of pink Campbell's soups labelled pink as part of a breast cancer campaign stands in an isle at a Wegman's store. It is hoped that the adjusted Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Tool will help in the fight against breast cancer. (AP photo/Mel Evans)
A large display of pink Campbell's soups labelled pink as part of a breast cancer campaign stands in an isle at a Wegman's store. It is hoped that the adjusted Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Tool will...   (Associated Press)
Their sons' rivalry was on the field this weekend but the NFL Moms led by Zelda Westbrook, mother of Eagles running back Brian Westbrook, cheered on breast cancer survivors at the Many Faces of Breast Cancer event. The event was designed to help educate African-American breast cancer survivors and raise...
Their sons' rivalry was on the field this weekend but the NFL Moms led by Zelda Westbrook, mother of Eagles running back Brian Westbrook, cheered on breast cancer survivors at the Many Faces of Breast...   (Associated Press)
Doctors hope the adjusted risk calculator will help women spot breast cancer early.
Doctors hope the adjusted risk calculator will help women spot breast cancer early.   (Shutter Stock)
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