Rich And At Risk...

    A new study suggests higher breast cancer rates among affluent women in the Boston suburb of Newton, Massachusetts, may be due to environmental factors and oddly enough, more frequent screenings.

   Researchers with the Silent Spring Institute studied 1350women and found possible environmental risk factors associated with higher income and education...such as the more frequent use of vaginal spermicides, professional lawn services and dry cleaning.

  However, epidemiologist Nancy Maxwell...who headed the study...tells the Boston Globe they're not sure "that any of these are breast cancer risks at this point."

   Another key factor in higher rates among the wealthier and more educated women appears to be more frequent mammograms and breast self-examination.

   The researchers say the findings have implications far beyond Newton because the highest rates of breast cancer in Massachusetts are generally in affluent communities. Lower rates were found among those living in less affluent areas.

   Silent Spring is conducting similar studies in other communities in Massachusetts where breast cancer rates are elevated.