Tumors More Resistant to Drugs in Black Women

Study explains why breast cancer is more fatal in black women

By Jason Farago, Newser Staff

Posted Sep 6, 2007 10:53 AM CDT

(Newser) – Doctors have long known that breast cancer is more deadly in black women; new research suggests why: They are more likely to suffer from treatment-resistant tumors, a major study at the University of Michigan concludes. Analysis of data from nearly 100,000 women with later-stage breast cancer shows that black patients have higher incidence of tumors that don't respond to hormone-blocking drugs that inhibit growth.

About 39% of black women in the group had drug-resistant tumors compared to 22% of white women. Black women develop breast cancer less frequently than whites but their cancers are more likely to be fatal. Previous efforts to explain the disparity have focused on inferior health care. The Michigan study presents the strongest argument yet for a biological component to the inequity.

Graphic shows the percentage of breast cancer cases resistant to hormone treatments, by race; 1c x 3 1/4 inches; 46.5 mm x 82.6 mm (Associated Press)

(cmpc.org)

(Madison Radiology)

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Scientists ID New Breast Cancer Genes

Biggest breakthrough in a decade may advance prevention, treatment

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Researchers theorize biological clock at work

Women at Risk After Hormone Therapy: Study

Breast cancer risk continues, but other health threats diminish

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Scientists find higher prevalance of mutated gene in new study

Breast Cancer Deadlier for Black Women

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breast cancer • women's health • women • treatment • tumor • black women • drug resistant • health study

MOST POPULAR STORIES

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More Newser Stories

Scientists ID New Breast Cancer Genes

Biggest breakthrough in a decade may advance prevention, treatment

As Women Near 40, Sex Drive Revs Up

Researchers theorize biological clock at work

Women at Risk After Hormone Therapy: Study

Breast cancer risk continues, but other health threats diminish

Breast Cancer Risk Seen for Latinos, Blacks

Scientists find higher prevalance of mutated gene in new study

Breast Cancer Deadlier for Black Women

Doctors' formula has underestimated risk, study finds

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