Socioeconomic status and breast cancer mortality, 1989 through 1993: an analysis of education data from death certificates.

OBJECTIVES This study examined whether more highly educated women were at greater risk of dying of breast cancer during 1989 through 1993. METHODS Breast cancer mortality rates were calculated through death certificates and Current Population Survey data. RESULTS Breast cancer mortality rates were highest among women with 12 and with 16 or more years of education. Non-Hispanic Black women had the highest mortality rates and Asian women the lowest. Positive relationships between mortality and education were found for Hispanic women as well as non-Hispanic Black and Asian women. CONCLUSIONS The previously seen positive relationship between breast cancer mortality and education was found among US women of color but not non-Hispanic White women.