Poverty and late-stage cancer diagnoses go together

While cancer is an equal-opportunity disease, it often hits the poor harder, according to a new study by California researchers. The researchers, who are affiliated with the University of Southern California's Keck School of Medicine, surveyed more than 350 stomach and kidney cancer patients to get a sense of their personal and neighborhood risk factors. Researchers found that people who waited until their cancer was advanced typically lived in unsafe neighborhoods and had to travel at least 45 minutes to get to treatment centers. What's more, they often had low levels of education, had transportation problems and weren't fluent in English. Cancers were also more advanced when patients postponed care due to work or family commitments.

To find out more about the study:
- read this United Press International article