RETURN TO ABSTRACT LISTING


Background
According to the American Cancer Society, despite the comparatively lower overall incidence and mortality rates, breast cancers in Hispanic women tend to be larger, more aggressive, and more advanced at diagnosis, leading to decreased 5-year survival rates (88% in Hispanic versus 92% in non-Hispanic White women). Hispanic women are more likely to be diagnosed at an advanced stage compared to non-Hispanic White women, even after accounting for age, socioeconomic status, and method of detection. This may be the result of lower screening rates, as well as longer length of time to follow-up on abnormal self-examination findings or examination results. Limited access to care, lack of knowledge, language barriers, and other social issues are likely contributing factors.

Educational Goals / Teaching Points
Review breast cancer screening rates, incidence, stage of diagnosis, and mortality in ethnic minorities (e.g., Hispanics). Discuss barriers to access contributing to lower rates of screening in ethnic minority women specifically Hispanics. Update radiologists with advanced breast cancer imaging findings in ethnic minority women. Present community outreach practice, and opportunities to promote early detection and improve breast cancer outcomes.

Key Anatomic/Physiologic Issues and Imaging Findings/Techniques
Despite the comparatively lower overall incidence and mortality rates, breast cancers in Hispanic women tend to be larger, more aggressive, and more advanced at diagnosis, leading to decreased five-year survival rates (88% in Hispanic versus 92% in non-Hispanic White women) (American Cancer Society). Even after accounting for age, socioeconomic status, and method of detection, Hispanic women are more likely to be diagnosed at an advanced stage compared to non-Hispanic white women. This may be the result of lower screening rates, as well as longer length of time to follow-up on abnormal self-examination findings or examination results. Limited access to care, lack of knowledge, language barriers, and other social issues are likely contributing factors.

Conclusion
Although inherited factors may play a role in the increased incidence of aggressive breast cancer subtypes, the disparity between the stage of diagnosis and mortality is heavily influenced by socioeconomic and systematic inequalities. These structural barriers lead to decreased knowledge, lower screening rates, reduced quality of care, and delays between diagnosis and treatment. To combat these health disparities, efforts should be focused on increasing awareness and education with community outreach programs. Compliance with mammography guidelines varies by country of origin. Outreach programs need to tailor their efforts to different Hispanic/Latino subpopulations, providing patient-friendly information in native languages.