Cancer's ethnic divide?

New research suggests that black women tend to develop breast cancer earlier than their white counterparts, and that the tumours in question may even be biologically different from those of white women. It is a small study, but if the findings were confirmed, it could have all sorts of implications for both screening and treatment. It may seem extraordinary, but this is one of the first UK studies to gather a sample of black people with cancer and compare them with white ones. "It's just not something we've done in this country, and as a result, there is a real dearth of information as to how cancer may affect people of different ethnic groups differently," says Dr Lesley Walker of Cancer Research UK. "Until we find out, it's very difficult to make sure that people are being offered the best possible service." ... BBC