Breast cancer risk assessment in socioeconomically disadvantaged urban communities
Lin, C.J.; Block, B.; Nowalk, M.P.; Woods, M.; Ricci, E.M.; Morgenlander, K.H.; Heron, D.E.
Journal of the National Medical Association 99(7): 752-756
2007
ISSN/ISBN: 0027-9684 PMID: 17668640 Document Number: 608453
During 2005, a risk assessment tool based on the Gail model was used to calculate the five-year risk of developing breast cancer for 445 women who live in socioeconomically disadvantaged urban communities in western Pennsylvania and who attended health fairs and other community-sponsored activities. This tool allowed us to evaluate each woman and advise her of her risks in a process lasting 15-20 minutes. Of the 445 women, 71.7% were black and 21.6% had a higher than average risk. The proportion of white women at high risk was significantly greater than the proportion of black women at high risk (33.3% vs. 16.9%; P < 0.01). The Gail model assessment tool for use in low-income and minority populations holds promise because it is noninvasive, is easy to use and provides immediate data about risk. This risk communication may help encourage minority and low-income women to receive screening mammography. It has the potential to improve breast cancer screening rates.