Recent studies have shed light on a disturbing trend in breast cancer outcomes: Black women are more likely to die from all types of breast cancer, even the most treatable ones. As a Black female physician, I find these statistics alarming and believe it’s crucial to understand the factors contributing to this disparity and what can be done to address it.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology revealed that Black women are 40 percent more likely to die from breast cancer compared to white women, despite similar diagnosis rates. The study also showed that this disparity exists across all breast cancer subtypes, including the most treatable ones. For the most common subtype (HR-positive, HER2-negative), Black women were 50 percent more likely to die than white women. Even for triple-negative breast cancer, which is more common in Black women but more deadly across the board, there was still a 17 percent higher mortality rate compared to white women, the study revealed.
It’s important to note that being Black, which is a social construct, doesn’t inherently increase the risk of developing breast cancer. The disparity in outcomes is also not due to genetics or biology, but rather a complex interplay of social, economic, and systemic factors including access to healthcare, delayed diagnoses, lack of health literacy, systemic racism in healthcare, and socioeconomic factors.
One surprising finding was that the disparity persists even in more treatable types of breast cancer that require long-term hormone therapy. This suggests that factors such as financial barriers, transportation issues, and potential bias in treatment recommendations play a significant role.
Black women tend to be diagnosed with breast cancer at younger ages and often at more advanced stages. Metastatic breast cancer, where the cancer spreads beyond the breast to vital organs like the lungs, brain, liver, or bones, is especially concerning for women of color. The statistics are sobering: Black women have the highest breast cancer mortality rate among all racial and ethnic groups. This is partly because they’re more likely to be diagnosed with advanced-stage breast cancer compared to white women.
Early detection is crucial in breast cancer treatment, but unfortunately, women of color often don’t receive diagnoses as early as other groups. That makes it even more vital for Black women to proactively schedule regular mammograms and screenings. The recommended age to start annual mammograms is 40 years old, or earlier if you have a family history. If you have a first-degree relative (parent, sibling) who had breast cancer, start screenings 10 years before their age of diagnosis.
Understanding your risk factors and family history are key. Yet your family history may not provide the full picture, as 85 percent of breast cancer patients have no family history of the disease, per the educational site Breastcancer.org. Hence, the importance of being vigilant about screenings and self-examinations, looking for any changes in your breasts including, new lumps or masses, changes in breast size or shape, skin changes (dimpling, redness, or scaling), or nipple discharge or changes.
If you are concerned, don’t hesitate to ask your healthcare provider for screenings or additional tests. Also, seek a second opinion if you feel your concerns aren’t being adequately addressed.
While these disparities are deeply concerning, it’s important to remember that they can be overcome. As the study’s lead author, Erica Warner, noted, these disparities have emerged over time, which means they can also be eliminated with focused effort and systemic changes.
As a community, we must continue to advocate for increased representation of Black women in clinical trials, push for better access to quality healthcare for all, and address social determinants of health like transportation, childcare, and healthy food access. Additionally, continued education of healthcare providers about potential biases and the importance of offering all treatment options to all patients could greatly improve patient outcomes.
By raising awareness, advocating for ourselves and our community, and pushing for systemic changes, we can work towards closing this gap and ensuring better breast cancer outcomes for Black women.
Before you go, shop these thoughtful gifts for the breast cancer patient or survivor in your life:
