A new study commissioned by the Susan G. Komen foundation finds Western New Yorkers are more likely to die of breast cancer than in any other part of New York State and the U.S.
This study was conducted in partnership with the University at Buffalo.
Over the course of 18 months, researchers conducted focus groups, using women from four of the eight WNY counties, breast cancer survivors, women over 40 and national data.
"We found a lack of knowledge about awareness, transportation issues," said Latasha Williams, a research student at the University at Buffalo.
Researchers studied Allegheny, Wyoming, Cattaraugus, and Erie Counties. They found in rural areas like Wyoming County, there was a lack of treatment centers and early detection clinics.
They also found that breast cancer in African American women was detected later than in women of Caucasian descent.
The study did not look at environmental issues as a factor, rather focused on access to treatment, and different stages of detection.
As a plan of action, the Komen Foundation plans on using this research to bring awareness and care to the areas like Wyoming County that need the help the most.
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