Disparities exist for the incidence, severity, and survival rate of BC in women of color. While there are numerous factors that may contribute to these outcomes, investigators have found that there is a 17% higher level of circulating estradiol in premenopausal African American women compared with Caucasian women and that this finding could not be accounted for by BMI, follicle dominance, and phase and length of the menstrual cycle. This observation may explain the increased risk of BC in black premenopausal women.
In examining the risk of BC in women of color, it may be important to focus on the use of personal care products (PCPs), as many PCPs contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) such as phthalates, parabens, and phenols which may affect BC risk. Data from the Sister Study, which is a prospective cohort study involving over 50,000 women that was conducted between 2003 and 2009, were analyzed to characterize race- and ethnicity-specific patterns of PCP use at age 10 to 13 years and to estimate the association of use with the incidence of BC. The primary outcome of this study was incident BC, including either invasive or ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS).
To be included in the Sister Study, women had to live in the United States, be aged between 35 and 74 years, and have a sister diagnosed with BC. However, they could not have had a personal history of BC. Once enrolled, participants completed a computer-assisted telephone interview and self-administered questionnaire to determine demographic information, reproductive and medical history, and lifestyle factors. Every 3 years, a comprehensive follow-up questionnaire was administered.
In examining the risk of BC in women of color, it may be important to focus on the use of personal care products (PCPs), as many PCPs contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) such as phthalates, parabens, and phenols which may affect BC risk. Data from the Sister Study, which is a prospective cohort study involving over 50,000 women that was conducted between 2003 and 2009, were analyzed to characterize race- and ethnicity-specific patterns of PCP use at age 10 to 13 years and to estimate the association of use with the incidence of BC. The primary outcome of this study was incident BC, including either invasive or ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS).
To be included in the Sister Study, women had to live in the United States, be aged between 35 and 74 years, and have a sister diagnosed with BC. However, they could not have had a personal history of BC. Once enrolled, participants completed a computer-assisted telephone interview and self-administered questionnaire to determine demographic information, reproductive and medical history, and lifestyle factors. Every 3 years, a comprehensive follow-up questionnaire was administered.
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