Poorer Bradford Women At Risk of Breast Cancer

Research shows health gap between rich and poor (Photo courtesy Against Breast Cancer)

Women living in poorer areas such as Bradford are more likely to die from breast cancer, according to a report. The study, by the National Cancer Intelligence Network, is the first to look in detail at survival rates of the disease among people living at different levels of income.

The "All Breast Cancer Report" reveals a 15% difference in five-year survival rates between the most and least affluent women diagnosed by GPs

The report said late diagnosis is to blame for the gap, as breast cancer is more common in more affluent women.

But there was very little difference in survival between the most and least deprived women who were diagnosed through screening.

Martin Lee, chairman of the Network's breast clinical reference group, said: "Having a more advanced breast cancer at diagnosis is a double blow, as more aggressive treatments are needed, and the outlook is worse.

"I know from my own experience with patients that they find it more distressing to cope with the diagnosis if they need both mastectomy and chemotherapy.

"Fortunately breast screening with mammograms is finding earlier stage cancers that can be controlled by less radical treatments and have better survival; it is particularly encouraging to see that this is narrowing the gap in outcomes between affluent and deprived women."