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Breast Cancer Risk Underestimated for Blacks, Study Says
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"That doesn't seem like a big difference, but even though those numbers look small, they can affect decisions," Gail said.
Overall, the old model classified 14.5 percent of black women as candidates for the prevention trial, whereas the new model would classify more than twice as many, 33.3 percent, as eligible.
There are many reasons for the discrepancy. Having a baby before age 30, for example, does not reduce the risk for black women as much as it does for white women.
Based on the findings, Gail and his colleagues recommended that doctors start using the new model for their African American patients. The National Cancer Institute plans to use the new model to update its calculator, which is online at http:/
The findings should also dispel long-standing myths about African Americans, some advocates said, noting that the lower risk assessments under the old model meant that many were not eligible for prevention trials.
"It's always been thought that African American women were not interested in being part of clinical trials. In reality, they were denied access to those trials," said Karen Jackson of Sisters Network Inc., the leading breast cancer group for black women. "Being in clinical trials gives you access to the latest and greatest treatments. This will allow all women who are interested in being involved to have equal access to take part in trials."
Better methods are still needed to tailor prevention and treatment strategies individually, other advocates said.
"Ultimately, what we want and what we need are tools that are meaningful for the individual," said Carolina Hinestrosa of the National Breast Cancer Coalition, a D.C.-based advocacy group. "Women should be able to make these life-altering decisions based on information about themselves."
For a summary of the study, go tohttp:/
