Recent studies have shed light on an alarming 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 troubling and believe it is vital to understand the factors that contribute to this disparity and what can be done to address it.
What the data reveals
A study published in Journal of Clinical Oncology revealed that black women are 40% more likely to die from breast cancer than white women, despite similar diagnosis rates. The study also showed that this difference exists across all subtypes of breast cancer, 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 deadlier overall, there was still a 17 percent higher death rate compared to white women, the study found.
It is important to note that being black, which is a social construct, does not inherently increase the risk of breast cancer. The difference in outcomes is also not due to genetics or biology, but rather to a complex interplay of social, economic and systemic factors such as access to health care, delayed diagnoses, lack of health literacy, systemic racism in health care and socioeconomic factors.
A surprising finding was that the difference remains 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 an important role.
Taking action
Black women tend to be diagnosed with breast cancer at younger ages and often at more advanced stages. Early detection is critical to treating breast cancer, making it vital for Black women to proactively schedule regular mammograms and screenings. The recommended age to start annual mammograms is 40, or earlier if you have a family history. If you have a first-degree relative (parent, sibling) who has had breast cancer, start screening 10 years before their age of diagnosis.
Understanding risk factors and family history are key. However, your family history may not provide the full picture, as 85 percent of breast cancer patients have no family history of the disease, according to the educational website Breastcancer.org. Therefore, it is important to be vigilant about screening and self-exams, 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.
Related story
After 3 rounds of egg freezing, Olivia Munn hopes to raise family amid breast cancer battle
If you’re concerned, don’t hesitate to ask your healthcare provider for screenings or additional tests. Also, seek a second opinion if you feel your concerns are not being adequately addressed.
Closing the gap
While these disparities are deeply troubling, it is important to remember that they can be overcome. As the study’s lead author, Erica Warner, noted, these disparities have emerged over time, meaning they can also be eliminated with focused effort and systemic change.
As a community, we must continue to advocate for increased representation of Black women in clinical trials, push for better access to quality health care for all, and address social determinants of health such as transportation, childcare, and access to healthy food. In addition, ongoing education of health care providers about potential biases and the importance of offering all treatment options all patients could significantly improve patient outcomes.
By raising awareness, advocating for ourselves and our community, and pushing for systemic change, we can work to close this gap and ensure better breast cancer outcomes for Black women.
Before you go, shop these thoughtful gifts for the breast cancer patient or survivor in your life:
