Receptor status and ethnicity of indigent patients with breast cancer in New York City

Previous studies have suggested racial differences in breast cancer hormonal receptor status, reflecting possible differences in tumor biology. However, racial differences in socioeconomic status and reproductive risk factors may influence receptor status. We investigated this issue, studying a racially diverse but socioeconomically homogeneous cohort of 215 patients with breast cancer at a New York public hospital from January 1, 1999, through December 31, 2003. We analyzed positive findings for estrogen, progesterone, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) (HER2/neu) receptors, considering patients in racial groups by cancer stage and overall. No difference was found in rates of estrogen, progesterone, or HER2/neu positivity among Asian, black, Hispanic, or white patients presenting with ductal carcinoma in situ or with invasive cancer.