Researchers at the University of Chicago are studying the possible connection between living in disadvantaged neighborhoods and the development of early onset breast cancer in African-American women. Project leader Sarah Gehlert, the Director of the Center for Interdisciplinary Health Disparities Research at the University, said that African-American women develop breast cancer earlier than white women, and it is often much deadlier. While white women usually develop the disease after menopause, it develops prior to menopause among women of African heritage.
Stress and isolation are two factors that have been earmarked for further investigation. The researchers are studying 230 black women with newly diagnosed breast cancers living in predominantly black Chicago neighborhoods to learn about environmental factors, such as neighborhood features that might lead to social isolation.
"These women experience stress from dealing with situations they cannot control, from seeing crime in their neighborhood, from being afraid to go out, and not being able to form casual relationships with their neighbors that might make them feel safe," Gehlert said.
By studying multiple pathways to the development of the disease, leading from environmental challenges to gene regulation, the team hopes to inform policy makers about making decisions in how to create cost-effective interventions. The team said that the women's vulnerability to stress and social isolation could be reduced if communities work with neighborhood and city leaders to reduce building vacancies and establish networks that would give women a greater feeling of control over their environments.
Related:
City Gals At Greater Risk Of Breast Cancer
African-American Women Suffer From More Aggressive Breast Cancers
Cancer Unaffected By Emotional State
Breast Cancer Strikes African-Americans Early
Source: The University of Chicago
