Current disparities in mortality from breast and cervical cancer -- what are the possible causes?

The speaker will review data on mortality from breast and cervical cancer among women of different ethnicities and ages (pre and postmenopausal) as well as women who are newcomers to the U.S. (immigrants). What portion of the existing disparities can be explained by inadequate screening and treatment? Do the small studies that seem to indicate similar outcomes for women of different racial groups treated for breast cancer within the V.A. system mean that equal treatment will result in equal outcomes for all women and all types of cancers? Do the studies that show a higher occurrence of difficult-to-treat (triple negative) breast cancer in young African American women mean that equal treatment won't always result in equal outcomes? What portion of existing disparities in mortality from breast and cervical cancer can be explained by different prevalence? The relatively high rate of cervical cancer in women who are newcomers to the U.S. is troubling, as is the higher rate of breast cancer in African American women under age 40. Do we have any explanation of these prevalence rates? Finally, how should the existing disparities in mortality and the possible explanations for them inform our approach to screening programs?