Abstract B50: Breast cancer in the Caribbean - A six-country cohort

Conclusions: This population-based study provides information on the tumor stage and characteristics as well as risk factors such as genetic, weight and fertility factors that contribute to the incidence of breast cancer in AC women. AC women develop breast cancer at an earlier age than either European American (EA) or African American (AA) women (AC 49.1, AA 58, EA 62). 60% of AC women were diagnosed between the ages of 35-54 compared to 30% of AA women. Breast cancer in AC women presents at a higher stage than in AA or EA women (30-40% Stage III&IV vs 12%). Genetic factors play a large role in the etiology of breast cancer in the Bahamas and Trinidad & Tobago. Fertility factors have a direct effect on the age of onset of breast cancer. Mammography is not readily available and most cancers are detected by palpation. Financial constraints limit diagnostic capacity, treatment options and genetic testing.Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the Caribbean and as the countries in the Caribbean move rapidly from the third world into the first world, the breast cancer incidence will increase. Understanding the factors that contribute to the cause of breast cancer will enable the countries to strategy.Citation Format: Sophia HL George, Talia Donenberg, Mohammad Akbari, Cheryl Alexis, Gilian Wharfe, Hedda Dyer, Sook Yin, Theodore Turnquest, Jameel Ali, Vincent DeGennaro, Jr., Steven A. Narod, Judith Hurley. Breast cancer in the Caribbean – A six-country...
Source: Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers and Prevention - Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Tags: Molecular Epidemiology: Poster Presentations - Proffered Abstracts Source Type: research