An analysis of breast cancer diagnoses in England has found that individuals from ethnic minority and deprived backgrounds are significantly less likely to receive a diagnosis through routine screening and more likely to be diagnosed in emergency or urgent care settings. The study, conducted by researchers at the University of Surrey and funded by the charity Breast Cancer Now, examined data from 86,564 adults diagnosed with breast cancer between 2009 and 2019.

The findings show that people from Black, Asian, and mixed ethnic backgrounds, as well as those from socioeconomically deprived areas, were up to 33% less likely to have their cancer detected via routine screening programs. Conversely, these groups were up to 31% more likely to receive a diagnosis through urgent suspected cancer referrals and up to 37% more likely to be diagnosed through emergency presentations.

Researchers highlighted that individuals with learning disabilities also experience delays, with their time to diagnosis being 18% longer than for those without such disabilities, and they waited around 10% longer to receive treatment.

Manveet Basra, associate director of public health, inclusion, and awareness at Breast Cancer Now, emphasized that the analysis highlights persistent inequalities throughout the breast cancer care pathway for marginalized populations, which adversely affect survival outcomes. Basra noted that identifying these disparities is crucial to addressing barriers and improving equitable access to screening and timely treatment. The organization supports ongoing research aimed at reducing these disparities and advocates working alongside policymakers to enhance access and tailor information and services to meet the needs of diverse groups.

Breast cancer remains the most common cancer among women worldwide, accounting for approximately one in four cancer cases and representing a leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women under 50. Early detection is particularly important in identifying women at higher risk who may benefit from more frequent screening or preventive interventions.

The analysis aligns with earlier research indicating that ethnic minority patients often require more consultations with general practitioners before a cancer diagnosis is made. According to a 2022 NHS cancer patient experience survey reviewed by QualityWatch, about one in five patients in England overall needed three or more GP visits before diagnosis, a figure that rises to one in three among ethnic minority populations.

Additional research by the UK Health Security Agency has indicated that young Black women are more likely to develop aggressive breast cancer tumors, experience poorer care, and have higher mortality rates, yet they remain underrepresented in clinical studies.

Dr. Rob Kerrison, associate professor of cancer care at the University of Surrey and lead investigator of the study, said the findings suggest that disparities in access to screening and timely treatment contribute to differences in survival rates. He stressed the importance of ensuring that all individuals, regardless of background or socioeconomic status, have equal access to cancer screening and receive prompt treatment to improve outcomes across the population.