Translational Epidemiology: Genetic Ancestry in Breast Cancer: What Is the Role of Genetic Ancestry and Socioeconomic Status in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer?

Adv Surg. 2023 Sep;57(1):1-14. doi: 10.1016/j.yasu.2023.03.001. Epub 2023 May 10.

Abstract

Racial/ethnic and socioeconomic disparities seen in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) have prompted questions regarding the role of genetic ancestry in breast cancer (BC) subtype development, tumor biology, and ultimately prognosis. The causes of disparities in TNBC are influenced greatly by both sociopolitical factors and genetic ancestry, and now, the potential genomic underpinnings of social factors. To comprehensively understand disparities in TNBC, it is critical to take a translational epidemiologic approach that takes into account genomic and non-genomic factors. Understanding the interplay between genetic ancestry and social genomics and their proportional influence on outcomes can guide our priorities for screening, diagnosis, and interventions for this aggressive BC subtype.

Keywords: Genetic ancestry; Neighborhood-level socioeconomic status; Racial/ethnic disparities; Translational epidemiology; Triple-negative breast cancer.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Breast Neoplasms* / epidemiology
  • Breast Neoplasms* / genetics
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Prognosis
  • Social Class
  • Socioeconomic Disparities in Health
  • Triple Negative Breast Neoplasms* / epidemiology
  • Triple Negative Breast Neoplasms* / genetics