Migration patterns and breast carcinoma.
BACKGROUND
Many American Indian and Alaska Native women have lower incidence rates of breast carcinoma than other racial/ethnic groups in the United States. The rates in most areas, however, have increased in recent years. The author reviews the migration patterns and effects that might contribute to this change.


METHODS
A review of the literature on migration and breast carcinoma incidence was conducted.


RESULTS
Migration significantly impacts on breast carcinoma incidence in all groups of women studied.


CONCLUSIONS
Research must be designed that will explore the components of host, life-styles, and environment on breast carcinoma rates in American Indian and Alaska Native women to elucidate mechanisms of breast carcinoma etiology.
Kaur
J S
JS
Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA.
D000413:Alaska; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000208:ethnology*; D002277:Carcinoma / Q000208:ethnology*; D004641:Emigration and Immigration; D004777:Environment; D005006:Ethnicity; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007198:Indians, North American; D008019:Life Style; D044469:Racial Groups; D014481:United States