Disparities in DCIS

Although the impact of socioeconomic and racial/ethnic disparities in the pathogenesis and outcomes of invasive breast cancer has been well defined, data regarding DCIS are sparse. The purpose of this review is to address the influence of disparities in the pathogenesis and prognosis of DCIS and examine the factors that are associated with adverse outcomes in underserved and minority populations.

Racial/ethnic disparities in DCIS are evident in all aspects of cancer care continuum, from prevention to development of invasive cancer. Increased prevalence of preventable risk factors and disproportionate screening are evident in socioeconomically disadvantaged populations. Furthermore, unequal access to different treatment modalities as well as unfavorable hormonal receptor profiling in certain racial/ethnic groups may be associated with worse morbidity and higher incidence of subsequent breast cancer events.

Failure to understand socioeconomic disparities can affect the quality of care of patients with DCIS and subsequently invasive breast cancer.