High socioeconomic status (usually defined by a high income and/or high education level) has been associated with an increased risk of breast cancer [72]. The reason for this relates to differences in risk factors seen in women of different education and income levels [73-76]. For example, compared to women of lower socioeconomic status, women of higher socioeconomic status tend to have their first child at a later age, have fewer children and breastfeed for less time, all of which are known to increase the risk of breast cancer [74,77].
Updated 08/14/08
