n estimated 2.4 million women are living with breast cancer in the US. 1 Another 182,460 invasive and 67,770 in situ female breast cancer cases are estimated to be newly diagnosed in the US in 2008; approximately 20,080 (11%) of those cases will be diagnosed in California. 2 Breast cancer is the most common cause of cancer-related deaths among women worldwide. Annual breast cancer deaths are at more than 410,000, which equate to about 1.6% of all female deaths worldwide. 3 Despite evidence supporting early detection as the best approach to reduce breast cancer mortality, it continues to be underutilized by minority women, especially new immigrants. Data showed striking disparities in breast cancer outcomes among different ethnic groups in the US, especially among ethnic minority women. 4 As compared to women who are born in the US, immigrant women use health care less than often and are diagnosed with breast cancer at a later stage. 5,6 Although there is no research focusing specially on undocumented women in the US, these women are even less likely to utilize preventive services such as breast cancer screening services and treatment when they are diagnosed with breast cancer. The purpose of this study was to examine the barriers confronting undocumented immigrant women in accessing breast cancer services and treatment, as well as policies and programs affecting these women when they are seeking breast health services.
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