Inequalities in breast cancer stage at diagnosis in the Trent region, and implications for the NHS Breast Screening Programme

Background This study investigates risk factors for diagnosis with late-stage breast cancer in order to identify inequalities and inform the understanding of barriers affecting access to mammography screening.

Methods Data from the Trent Cancer Registry were used to identify all women with invasive breast cancer, diagnosed in 1998–2006. Risk of diagnosis with late-stage breast cancer was calculated to quantify strength of association between exposure and outcome.

Results Women outside the age group for routine screening were approximately 30% [,50 years, relative risk (RR) ¼ 1.34 (95% confidence interval, CI: 1.26–1.43) and .70 years, RR ¼ 1.27 (95% CI: 1.19–1.36)] more likely to be diagnosed with late-stage breast cancer; the most deprived women were 37% [RR ¼ 1.37 (95% CI: 1.01–2.56)] more likely to be diagnosed with Stage IV breast cancer; ethnic minority women were 15% [RR ¼ 1.15 (95% CI: 1.09–1.22)] more likely to be diagnosed with late-stage breast cancer and women resident in 5 of 11 Trent Primary Care Trusts (PCT) had a greater than 30% increased risk of diagnosis with late-stage breast cancer than those in Nottingham City PCT.

Conclusion These findings highlight the need for appropriate targeted interventions to address compositional and contextual inequalities that are evident in breast cancer stage at diagnosis.