Inequalities in breast cancer prevalence among African American women
In the fight against breast cancer, Black women face unique challenges that require targeted attention. According to the American Cancer Society, an estimated 36,260 Black women will receive a new breast cancer diagnosis in 2022, and 6,800 will sadly lose their lives to the disease.
One of the key issues is the higher likelihood of Black women receiving a diagnosis once the cancer has already spread, making it less treatable. This can be attributed to a variety of factors, including structural racism and social determinants.
Addressing Structural Racism
Structural racism—systems and policies in housing, education, healthcare, and more—contributes to Black women having disproportionately higher breast cancer mortality despite lower incidence. Efforts are being made to dismantle these systemic barriers and improve access to quality care.
Targeting Social Determinants
Studies emphasize that racism limits Black women's ability to translate socioeconomic gains into better health outcomes. Interventions are being developed to target neighborhood deprivation, discrimination, and resource access as mediators of disparities.
Peer Support Programs
Peer support interventions have shown promise in improving treatment completion among Black women by reducing social isolation during breast cancer care.
Screening Eligibility and Risk Assessment Improvements
Research highlights that Black women are less likely to have extremely dense breast tissue or high risk scores that qualify for supplemental screening under many state laws. This has prompted calls for expanding and adapting screening guidelines to better identify high-risk Black women.
Community-Based and Equity-Focused Research Partnerships
Collaborative efforts involving community partners advocate for equity-centered cancer research to develop culturally appropriate interventions and improve outcomes in Black populations.
Personalised Approaches
Some women with certain genetic mutations, such as BRCA1 or BRCA2, may have an increased risk of developing breast cancer. These women may consider medication or breast surgery to help prevent breast cancer from developing. Doctors might also recommend annual mammography screening at a younger age for women with certain risk factors.
Clinical Trials
Women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer can inquire about clinical research opportunities. A database at ClinicalTrials.gov can provide more information about breast cancer trials.
If an imaging test shows signs of potential breast cancer, a biopsy can be ordered to analyze tissue for cancer cells. It's important to know the symptoms of breast cancer, including a new lump in the breast or armpit, swelling or thickening of the breast, dimpling, puckering, or irritation of the breast skin, changes in the appearance of the nipple, bloody discharge from the nipple, and pain in the nipple or breast.
Black women are more likely to experience delays in cancer treatment, and breast cancer now causes more deaths than any other type of cancer among Black women. However, with ongoing initiatives and research, progress is being made to reduce disparities in breast cancer detection, treatment, and survival among Black women. These efforts increasingly recognize that addressing systemic racism and tailoring screening and support strategies are crucial for equitable breast cancer outcomes.
[1] American Cancer Society. (2022). Breast Cancer in Black Women. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/breast-cancer-in-black-women.html [2] National Cancer Institute. (2021). Breast Cancer in African American/Black Women. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/understanding/risk/races-ethnicities/african-american-breast-cancer-fact-sheet [3] American College of Radiology. (2021). Breast Density and Cancer Risk. Retrieved from https://www.acr.org/-/media/ACR/Files/Practice-Parameters/Breast-Density-and-Cancer-Risk.pdf [4] National Institutes of Health. (2020). Peer Support for Cancer Patients and Survivors. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/coping/supportive-care/peer-support [5] American Cancer Society. (2022). Mammograms and Breast Cancer Screening. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/breast-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/mammograms.html
- Beyond breast cancer, Black women are disproportionately affected by other chronic diseases such as chronic kidney disease, COPD, type-2 diabetes, and Alzheimer's disease.
- In the realm of mental health, discussions about race and mental health are crucial for understanding and addressing psychological disparities among Black women.
- Cultural sensitivity and awareness are essential components in delivering science-based health education and therapies to Black women.
- Adequate sleep is vital for overall health, including mental and physical well-being in the workplace, and it's a common issue for Black women given their higher prevalence of sleep disorders.
- Workplace wellness programs should prioritize mental health, fitness, and exercise, and be mindful of the diverse needs of their employees, including Black women.
- Black women are not just at risk for breast cancer but also several other forms of cancer, such as cervical, ovarian, and skin cancer.
- Cancer is accompanied by multiple medical conditions, and Black women may experience these co-morbidities more frequently, such as digestive health issues, eye health problems, and hearing impairments.
- Aging can lead to neurological disorders like Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, and migraines among Black women, necessitating targeted research and interventions.
- Autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis can also affect Black women, contributing to challenges in everyday activities and family health.
- Diagnosed women with breast cancer may benefit from CBD as an alternative treatment option, but more research is needed to understand its effectiveness and potential interactions with other medications.
- Particular skin conditions like psoriasis can exacerbate the symptoms of breast cancer treatments like radiation therapy.
- Skin care is crucial for Black women, who may be more susceptible to sun damage and hyperpigmentation due to their specific pigmentation.
- Menopause is a transition unique to women, and Black women may experience more severe symptoms leading to concerns in sexual health as well as general health.
- Parenting can be a complex issue for Black women, given the unique challenges and social determinants that may impact their family health and overall wellness.
- Weight management is essential for reducing the risk of chronic diseases, including breast cancer, for Black women.
- In addition to breast cancer, Black women need to be informed about the symptoms of various respiratory conditions, such as asthma and COPD.
- Eye health, including the risk of cataracts and glaucoma, is another essential aspect that Black women should prioritize, given the higher susceptibility due to genetics and other factors.
- Hearing loss is more common in the elderly population and can have a profound impact on emotional and physical well-being.
- Health and wellness encompass all aspects of physical, mental, and social health, and targeted interventions are necessary to address disparities faced by Black women.
- Fitness and exercise are integral components of maintaining overall health and can help manage weight and prevent diseases like breast cancer.
- Fromental health is closely linked with physical health, and issues like stress, depression, and anxiety can impact the management and outcomes of chronic diseases like breast cancer and Alzheimer's disease.
