According to an article on boston.com, the largest study to-date on breast cancer in African-American women will be conducted by a team of researchers at the Slone Epidemiology Center at Boston University. The University has received almost $20 million from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) to evaluate why African-American women are reported to have higher rates of aggressive breast cancer and at a younger age, with poorer prognoses, than women of European descent.
The study will follow 11,000 women, half of whom are already engaged in ongoing studies on cancer and women’s health. Researchers will examine various factors which could influence the women’s health, including hormones, body size, genetics, reproductive history, environmental factors and physical activity.
Additionally, the study will establish an all-inclusive foundation regarding genetic and non-genetic risk factors for breast cancer subtypes in African-American women. The goal of the investigation is to find out the reasons for and potential solutions to genetic, biologic, reproductive and behavioral breast cancer risks.
Based on data provided by the NCI, it is estimated that in 2011 there will be 230,480 new cases of breast cancer in women and 2,140 new cases of breast cancer in men in the U.S. Moreover, about 39,520 deaths in women and 450 deaths in men are estimated for 2011.
Screening techniques to detect breast cancer include clinical breast examination for lumps, mammography and other types of imaging methods. It is crucial for breast cancer screening to be carried out in a timely manner, since these screening methods provide an opportunity for cancer to be found early, when it is easier to treat and cure.
At Blume Forte, our New Jersey breast cancer failure to diagnose lawyers have decades of experience securing significant recoveries for our clients who suffer from or have lost a loved one to breast cancer. To find out more about how we may be able to help, call 973-845-4421 for a no-cost consultation.