A study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that Black women are more likely to die from breast cancer compared to white women, even when diagnosed with the same type of cancer. The research highlighted that racial disparities, rather than biology, are the main drivers of the differences in death rates. While Black and white women are diagnosed with breast cancer at similar rates, the mortality rates show a 40% higher likelihood of death for Black women.
The study looked at different molecular subtypes of breast cancer and found that Black women were more likely to die regardless of the subtype. Hormone receptor-positive tumors were particularly concerning, as Black women faced a 50% higher risk of death compared to white women. The disparities in treatment and access to care were highlighted as contributing factors, with economic barriers and lack of representation in clinical trials mentioned as potential causes.
Early detection plays a crucial role in improving outcomes for Black women, who are more likely to have breast cancer at a younger age but may not be diagnosed until the disease is at an advanced stage. Recommendations were made for Black women to be proactive about their family history of breast cancer and start screening earlier. Access to health care facilities with patient navigators was also suggested as a way to improve outcomes and reduce disparities. The study concluded that efforts to address these disparities are crucial to closing the gap between Black and white women’s breast cancer mortality rates.
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