Breast Cancer is the most common type amongst women and the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. We know from research that the relative 5 year survival rate for women diagnosed with early stage breast cancer is 98% compared to 23% for late stage. Disparities in cancer come in many shapes and forms and research has shown that they can affect outcomes. The three common types of disparities are: low socioeconomic status; cultural issues, and social biases. These are not exclusive of each other, and often appear in combination.

In South Florida we are blessed with a diverse community with Hispanics, African Americans, Native Americans, and people of Caribbean background, creating a rich cultural ambience. These cultures and ethnicities have many common characteristics such as the love and support of family, beautiful music and delicious foods. Unfortunately, they also have a high incidence of low socioeconomic status, high incident of advanced cancer at diagnosis, and high mortality rate from a diagnosis of cancer.

There are important lessons that can be learned from the rich and unique character of breast cancer care in South Florida.

Citation Format: Mayra A. Lima. [Advocate Abstract:] A Tale of Two Cases. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Ninth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2016 Sep 25-28; Fort Lauderdale, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2017;26(2 Suppl):Abstract nr IA06.

©2017 American Association for Cancer Research.
2017
American Association for Cancer Research.