The stigma of breast cancer in developing countries, particularly for poorer women, is having a tremendous negative impact on treatment and survival, according to Dr. Zeba Aziz from the Allama Iqbal Medical College in Lahore, Pakistan.

"Poorer people are not seeking help and do not have easy access to care," reported Aziz at a meeting of the European Society for Medical Oncology Congress.

The stigma attached to breast cancer greatly lowers self esteem. Emotional and physical abandonment is a common result.

Also, ignorance leads to breast cancer being considered contagious, said Azia. "We have seen women being isolated to the point of not being allowed to touch their children or use the household utensils," she said.

In a study of women treated at a Pakistan hospital, breast cancer was detected at an early stage in nearly three-fourths of the women of high socio-economic status and 89 percent received adequate treatment. However, nearly half of the women from poorer, less educated backgrounds did not seek medical help until the cancer had reached an advanced stage, and only 44 percent received adequate treatment.

The overall survival rate at 10 years was 73 percent of the high socio-economic status women, 49 percent of the middle tier women and 22 percent of the women in the lower socioeconomic group.

The study confirmed Aziz's observations of the link between socioeconomic status and the outcome for women with breast cancer.

"We were not surprised by the conclusions but until now we've had no proof," said Aziz. "We urge women to put the stigma aside and seek medical advice early, in order to avoid surgery to remove their breast. Ultimately, many more lives could be saved."

Other sources: European Society for Medical Oncology