Rich, young, educated women get better breast cancer care than poor, older women

Three US studies show that the treatment of breast cancer is influenced by a woman's education, income, and age.

US women who are involved in choosing their breast cancer surgeon are more likely to be treated by an experienced surgeon at an accredited cancer centre, says a study from the University of Michigan (Journal of Clinical Oncology 2007;25:271-6).

Another study from the University of Michigan says that breast cancer patients with lower household incomes and less education are more likely to receive reduced doses of chemotherapy, especially if they are obese (Journal of Clinical Oncology 2007;25:1-8)

And a third …