Women in most deprived areas 33% more likely to die from breast cancer

The Irish Cancer Society is calling for Government action on what it calls the ‘breast cancer gap’ which means that while fewer women from the most deprived areas get breast cancer than those in wealthier areas, they are 33% more likely to die from it. This is according to a recent study by National Cancer Registry Ireland (NCRI) researchers1.

One of the main reasons for this survival gap is that women living in the most deprived areas are more likely to be diagnosed much later with breast cancer and as a result have a lower chance of surviving it. The NCRI study also showed that women who were diagnosed because they had symptoms of breast cancer had a poorer chance of survival compared to those whose cancers were found by BreastCheck, and that three quarters (76.5%) of women diagnosed through symptoms were from disadvantaged areas, compared to 67% of more affluent women.

Speaking during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Kathleen O’Meara, Head of Advocacy and Communications said: “The stark truth is that the most deprived women in society are significantly more likely to die of breast cancer than the most affluent. Breast cancer affects thousands of women across Irish society, with almost 3,000 new cases every year. However this breast cancer survival gap is very worrying and clearly measures will have to be taken to ensure that women in poorer communities have an equal chance of surviving breast cancer”, she said.

“The number of women getting breast cancer is on the increase but, in general, so is the number of women surviving it,” said Ms. O’Meara. “However this positive trend hides a worrying gap in survival rates between the least and most deprived women in Ireland. Despite the strides made in diagnosis, treatment and improvements in outcomes in the last few decades, Ireland has become a very unequal society when it comes to health problems, particularly cancer and access to healthcare.”

Speaking about the study, Dr. Janice Walshe, Consultant Medical Oncologist at Tallaght Hospital said. “The NCRI report and other studies suggest that patients with lowest socioeconomic status tend to present with more advanced breast cancer, sometimes with more aggressive tumour biology and are less likely to access radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Unfortunately, the net result of these observations is a greater likelihood of death from breast cancer.”

Dr. Walshe continued: “The solution to this disparity is complex. Interestingly, similar observations have also been made in countries where universal health care is offered so the impact of socioeconomic status is not one of access to diagnostics and therapeutics alone. Variables such as the level of patient education, other co-existing medical conditions, and the potential loss of income and increased expenses that commonly occur while one is undergoing therapy are undoubtedly of great significance. As a society, it is incumbent upon us to identify the underlying factors leading to these differences in outcomes so we can correct these disparities and ensure the best outcomes for all patient groups.”

Ms. O’Meara added: “We know from our research and work in disadvantaged communities that these communities are in general less aware of the symptoms of cancer, can have difficulty seeing a GP and often wait longer before being seen with symptoms. The Irish Cancer Society wants to see this health inequality tackled. So far we have created successful community projects such as “We Can Quit” which is for women smokers, and “Fit for Work and Life”, as well as supporting research into health inequalities.”

The Irish Cancer Society’s Paint it Pink campaign raises funds for the Society’s work across breast cancer funding vital research, advocacy and nationwide support services. Visit www.paintitpink.ie for further information.

Anyone who is concerned about breast cancer can contact the Irish Cancer Society’s Cancer Nurseline on Freephone 1800 200 700 to speak to a cancer nurse who can offer information and support.