South-Asian women more likely to be diagnosed with later stage breast cancer: Study

(Press-News.org) TORONTO, ON, April 20, 2015 -- South Asian women are more likely to be diagnosed with later stage breast cancer compared to the general population, while Chinese women are more likely to be diagnosed with early stage cancer, according to a new study by Women's College Hospital and the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences (ICES).

The findings, published today in the journal Current Oncology, confirm a strong link between ethnicity and breast cancer stage at diagnosis for Canadian women. An editorial by Dr. Aisha Lofters accompanies the paper and indicates that the study's findings illustrate a health inequality for South Asian women in Ontario that is potentially unnecessary and avoidable.

"Research has long suggested minority groups are among the least likely to be screened for breast cancer, impacting their survival rates and outcomes," said Dr. Ophira Ginsburg, a scientist at Women's College Research Institute. "For many reasons, including ethno-cultural factors, women in these groups are not receiving the screening they need when they need it most. Our findings suggest we have to find better ways to educate and screen these groups so that they can live longer, healthier lives."

In the study, Dr. Ginsburg and colleagues at ICES compared breast cancer stage at diagnosis between Chinese women and the general population (women with breast cancer in Ontario who were not identified as either Chinese or South Asian) and between South Asian women and the general population.

From an analysis of more than 41,000 patients diagnosed with breast cancer between 2005 and 2010, the researchers found:

South Asian women were more likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer at stages II to IV compared to the general population. Chinese women were more likely to be diagnosed at stage I versus stage II and were less likely to be diagnosed with a higher stage of cancer than the general population. Fewer South Asian women had a history of breast cancer screening in the past three years, prior to diagnosis. "Chinese-Canadian communities have been among the first ethno-cultural groups to be offered tailored health promotion information on breast cancer, which may explain the difference between the two groups in our study. Cultural factors, cancer fears and stigma may pose barriers for these women when seeking care for breast problems. Underserved ethno-cultural minority populations, particularly South Asian women living in Ontario, could benefit from carefully developed health promotion and access programs," Dr. Ginsburg said.

The researchers add a more detailed analysis of factors influencing screening uptake is necessary to help tailor health promotion programs to benefit minority populations.

INFORMATION:

"A population-based study of ethnicity and breast cancer stage at diagnose in Ontario," was published today in Current Oncology. Authors: Ginsburg O.M, Fischer HD, Shah B, Lipscombe L, Fu L, Anderson G, Rochon PA.

Women's College Hospital is advancing the health of women and improving healthcare options for all by delivering innovative models of ambulatory care. Fully affiliated with the University of Toronto, the hospital is Canada's leading academic, ambulatory hospital and a world leader in women's health. With more than 800 physicians, nurses and health professionals, the hospital offers a range of specialized clinics and programs that are bridging the gaps in the health system. Women's College Hospital is helping to keep people out of hospital by being at the forefront of cutting-edge research, diagnosis and treatment that will help prevent illness and enable patients to manage their health conditions. This healthcare enables Canadians to live healthier, more independent lives. At the Women's College Research Institute, scientists combine science and patient care to develop innovative solutions to today's greatest health challenges.

ICES is an independent, non-profit organization that uses population-based health information to produce knowledge on a broad range of health care issues. Our unbiased evidence provides measures of health system performance, a clearer understanding of the shifting health care needs of Ontarians, and a stimulus for discussion of practical solutions to optimize scarce resources. ICES knowledge is highly regarded in Canada and abroad, and is widely used by government, hospitals, planners, and practitioners to make decisions about care delivery and to develop policy.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

Rebecca Cheung
Women's College Hospital
Marketing and Communications Specialist
(o) 416-323-6400, ext. 3210 or (c) 416-300-5346
rebecca.cheung@wchospital.ca

Deborah Creatura
ICES
Media Advisor
(o) 416-480-4780 or (c) 647-406-5996
deborah.creatura@ices.on.ca