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. 1997 Jul;87(7):1218–1222. doi: 10.2105/ajph.87.7.1218

Socioeconomic status and breast cancer mortality, 1989 through 1993: an analysis of education data from death certificates.

K E Heck 1, D K Wagener 1, A Schatzkin 1, S S Devesa 1, N Breen 1
PMCID: PMC1380902  PMID: 9240118

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: This study examined whether more highly educated women were at greater risk of dying of breast cancer during 1989 through 1993. METHODS: Breast cancer mortality rates were calculated through death certificates and Current Population Survey data. RESULTS: Breast cancer mortality rates were highest among women with 12 and with 16 or more years of education. Non-Hispanic Black women had the highest mortality rates and Asian women the lowest. Positive relationships between mortality and education were found for Hispanic women as well as non-Hispanic Black and Asian women. CONCLUSIONS: The previously seen positive relationship between breast cancer mortality and education was found among US women of color but not non-Hispanic White women.

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Selected References

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