Breast cancer mortality risk factors in Middle Tennessee.

The population of Middle Tennessee was assessed using publically available data collected in 2009 describing demographic and breast cancer-related characteristics of the population.*The value for each breast cancer risk factor was determined for each Middle Tennessee County, and counties were then ranked in numerical order from lowest to highest. The numerically ranked counties were then subdivided into quartiles, such that the three counties with the lowest risk factor values were placed in Quartile 1, and those with the highest were placed in Quartile 4. The range of risk factor values encompassed by each quartile are shown.1The percentage of the total female population in the county that is over the age of 50 years (a surrogate for menopause).2The breast cancer incidence per 100,000 women. 3Breast cancer mortality per 100,000 women.4The percentage of all breast cancers that were diagnosed at Stage IV.5The percentage of all breast cancers that were diagnosed without a prior mammographic screening.6The percentage of the female population lacking any form of health insurance.7The median household income.8The percentage of the population possessing higher than a high school level education.9The percentage of the population that is not Caucasian.