Health Watch is a Public Service of the Office of News and Publications and is intended to provide general information only and should not replace the advice of a medical professional. You should contact your physician if you have questions about any of these topics.


This week on Health Watch, we're talking about women's health. While all women may be concerned about breast cancer, minority women from some populations face up to a 70 percent greater risk of dying after a breast cancer diagnosis than Caucasian women.

Doctors at UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas say there may be a number of factors at work. Minority women may not have as much access to screening mammograms. They may not have information on the importance of early detection. Or there may be cultural taboos about discussing personal health issues. UT Southwestern doctors are conducting a study to better understand breast cancer among minority women. Dr. Gail Tomlinson, who is leading the study, says the research could lead to improved cancer screening and improved early detection practices for minority women.

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^{February 2006}

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