title: Health disparities across the breast cancer continuum.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To provide a brief overview of disparities across the spectrum of breast cancer incidence, treatment, and long-term care during the survivorship period.
  
  
  METHODS
  Review of the literature including research reports, review articles, and clinically based articles available through PubMed and CINAHL.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Minority women generally experience worse breast cancer outcomes despite a lower incidence of breast cancer than whites. A variety of factors contribute to this disparity, including advanced stage at diagnosis, higher rates of aggressive breast cancer subtypes, and lower receipt of appropriate therapies including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. Disparities in breast cancer care also extend into the survivorship trajectory, including lower rates of endocrine therapy use among some minority groups, as well as differences in follow-up and survivorship care.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Breast cancer research should include improved minority representation and analyses by race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. While we cannot yet change the biology of this disease, we can encourage adherence to screening and treatment and help address the many physical, psychological, spiritual, and social issues minority women face in a culturally sensitive manner.
authors.forename: Katherine E
authors.initials: KE
authors.lastname: Reeder-Hayes
authors.forename: Stephanie B
authors.initials: SB
authors.lastname: Wheeler
authors.forename: Deborah K
authors.initials: DK
authors.lastname: Mayer
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000401:mortality*; D005006:Ethnicity / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D054624:Health Status Disparities; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008913:Minority Groups / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D015996:Survival Rate; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D044465:White People / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*
keywords: Breast cancer; disparities; quality of life; symptoms