Age at diagnosis Family history of breast cancer Marital status, number of children and education Health insurance status Language acculturation (ability to speak English) Country of birth (U.S. or Mexico)

Family History, Acculturation Raise Risk

Women at highest risk for breast cancer - 2-1/2 times other women surveyed - had a family history of the disease, spoke English well and were born in Mexico.

The strongest risk factor was family history, which increased odds fourfold and was found to be true of 85 percent who had breast cancer. This indicates that women with a strong family history of breast cancer should receive earlier and more frequent screening, Bondy said.

The role of acculturation was striking too. Women who spoke English well had 2-1/2 times the risk of women who did not. The longer a woman had lived in the United States, the higher her risk.

Single women were almost twice as likely as married women to develop breast cancer, and women without insurance were 1-1/2 times more likely than those with insurance to be diagnosed. Women who do not have insurance are less likely to be screened.

Although the study is fairly small, researchers believe it shows the need for clear action on several fronts.

"Going forward, we believe it's essential to create education programs specifically for this population, especially if any of the screening guidelines change," Miranda said.

In addition, the study recommends assistance with acquiring health insurance, which may increase access to screening and early detection, and working with affected communities to help formulate policy agendas.

Source: University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center