Breast cancer outcomes in young women improving, but still better in white than in blacks

the Oncology Nurse Advisor take:

Researchers conducted a study to determine whether there is a differential effect of race on outcomes for women with breast cancer. They also examined mortality trends according to race and age. Among young women with breast cancer, black patients have a worse outcome compared with white patients. Using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program, the researchers identified 162,976 women younger than 50 years with invasive breast cancer (126,573 whites, 20,405 blacks, 15,998 other races). Multivariate regression analyses were performed to determine the risk-adjusted likelihood of survival for white and black patients. The 5-year disease specific survival rates were 90.1% for white patients and 79.3% for black patients at a median follow-up of 85 months. Annual hazards of death decreased 26% at 5 years after diagnosis in white women, but only by 19% in black patients. The study findings demonstrate that mortality rates have declined in both groups of patients; however, among young women with breast cancer, outcomes are worse in black patients compared with white patients. The researchers suggest focusing on improving outcomes for young women with breast cancer.