TL/DR –
Black women in the US are over 40% more likely to die from breast cancer than white women, a statistic that has largely remained the same for a decade, according to the American Cancer Society. Factors contributing to this disparity include biological differences such as aggressive forms of breast cancer, inadequate insurance coverage, and limited access to health care in the Black community. The Coalition of Blacks Against Cancer hosts monthly support group sessions and provides accurate information to help guide patients through their diagnoses, while the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force calls for greater research into the disparity and has updated its breast cancer screening recommendation to begin at age 40 instead of 50.
Increased Breast Cancer Mortality Rates Among Black Women in the US
The combination of cancer biology, limited healthcare access, and inadequate insurance coverage have been identified as key influencers in the persistent high breast cancer mortality rates among Black women in the United States. Black women are reportedly over 40% more likely to die from breast cancer than their white counterparts, a statistic that has remained fairly constant for over a decade.
Prevailing Disparity in Cancer Mortality Rates
Despite a general decrease in the disparity in cancer-related deaths between Black and white communities, a significant divide persists in mortality rates for breast and uterine cancers. Arizona, specifically, ranks fifth-worst in the US for breast cancer mortality rates among Black women. Between 2016 and 2020, the rate of breast cancer deaths for Black women in Arizona was 26.2 per 100,000 compared to 18.9 per 100,000 for white, non-Hispanic women.
Biological Differences and Healthcare Access
Dr. Michele Halyard, president and co-founder of the Coalition of Blacks Against Cancer, attributes this disparity to biological differences. She explained that Black patients often have a more aggressive form of breast cancer called triple-negative breast cancer, which presents at an earlier age and has a lower survival rate. In addition to this, the lack of healthcare access in the Black community is also a significant obstacle.
Importance of Early Screening and Timely Diagnosis
On May 9, 2023, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force revised its breast cancer screening recommendation, lowering the initial screening age from 50 to 40. The task force emphasizes that while screening is an important first step, it alone is not sufficient to improve inequities. Dr. Wanda Nicholson, a member of the task force, highlighted the crucial need for timely follow-up, biopsies, and access to the best treatments following a positive screening.
The Coalition of Blacks Against Cancer
To fight this issue, the Coalition of Blacks Against Cancer hosts monthly support group sessions, providing accurate information to guide attendees through their diagnoses. The coalition has proven to be a safe space and invaluable resource for many Black breast cancer survivors.
Next Steps in Addressing the Issue
More in-depth research is necessary to address this disparity fully, as stated by Nicholson. This includes understanding why Black women are at higher risk of having more aggressive cancers at a younger age, potentially due to environmental exposures. “We need a better understanding of why it occurs so we can move toward helping to prevent it,” Nicholson said.
—
Read More US News; Arizona News