Breast cancer hotspots identified in Delaware study, revealing a connection between lower screenings, aggressive tumors, and late-stage diagnoses

In a groundbreaking study conducted by ChristianaCare's Cawley Center for Translational Cancer Research, two neighborhoods in New Castle County, Delaware, have been identified as significant hotspots for late-stage breast cancer diagnoses. The study, released in July, pinpointed the Riverside community in northeast Wilmington and Middletown as areas where rates of advanced breast cancer were higher than expected, particularly among women under 50.

The study, which used a unique method called spatial intensity, was based on patient data from the cancer registry at the Helen F. Graham Cancer Center and Research Institute, spanning from 2012 to 2020 and including 3,492 women diagnosed with invasive breast cancer. This method allowed for a more precise approach, pinpointing areas as small as several city blocks.

The findings were not visible using traditional public health mapping, requiring more unique detection solutions. In Riverside, historic inequities have made it harder for residents to access preventative care, which may have contributed to the higher rates of late-stage breast cancer diagnoses. Middletown, which has shown rapid growth over the last 20 years, may also have impacted access to healthcare.

Delaware has been dealing with higher-than-average rates of aggressive breast cancers, and these potential hotspots in Kent and Sussex may be more rural and dispersed, presenting different challenges. The research is already working on identifying high-risk areas in these counties.

To address these issues, ChristianaCare has embedded a community health worker in Riverside to raise awareness and connect women to screening services. The message to the public is to be proactive and take screenings to prevent breast cancer. The study aimed to understand what's driving the higher rates in these communities to develop more effective community-based interventions.

Delaware has a proven record in reversing cancer trends, such as lowering overall cancer mortality rates and reducing colorectal cancer cases. Hopefully, these findings will lead to similar progress in the fight against breast cancer. The organization that conducted the study in Delaware has not been identified in the provided search results. However, the importance of the findings cannot be overstated, and efforts are underway to ensure that all Delaware residents have access to the care they need.

Breast cancer hotspots identified in Delaware study, revealing a connection between lower screenings, aggressive tumors, and late-stage diagnoses