A study of 1,350 women in the Boston suburb of Newton, which has a breast-cancer rate 13% higher than the statewide rate, found that women with higher incomes and education levels were more likely to develop the disease. Scientists speculate that the difference can be attributed to environmental factors, such as professional lawn treatment and dry-cleaning. “Obviously, neither money nor schooling cause breast cancer,” said researcher, Dr. Nancy Maxwell. Although the study could not show conclusive links between chemicals used in high-priced services and breast cancer, the higher-risk groups were significantly more likely to use pesticides, dry cleaning, and professional lawn services.
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