THE RELATIONSHIP OF BREAST CANCER SURVIVAL WITH TRAFFIC-RELATED POLLUTION EXPOSURES

Background and Aims: In the US, breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer among women, and African-American (AA) women have much worse than average survival. Few studies have examined the relationship of breast cancer with air pollution exposures, which can lead to inflammation and lowered immune response. Fewer still have explored the additional impact of race on breast cancer survival and air pollution exposure. Methods: Using data from the SC Central Cancer Registry, we examined the relationship of breast cancer survival with residential proximity to roads, a proxy for traffic-related air pollution exposures, and potential effect modification by race. This study included all cases of breast cancer among female residents >19 years old, diagnosed from 2000 to 2006. A Geographic Information System (GIS) was used to determine distance from the geocoded residence at diagnosis to the nearest US Census feature class A1-3 road (interstates - secondary roads). Women were followed until a second canc...