Black Women with a High-Risk for Breast Cancer and Obstacles They Face
In the US, Black women have the highest breast cancer death rates. American Cancer Society statistics show that although Black women have a 4% lower incidence rate of breast cancer than White women, they have a 40% higher breast cancer death rate. A small study published in the March edition of the journal PLOS ONE by researchers at Ohio State University may shed light on some of the factors behind these disparities.
The researchers interviewed 50 women with a high risk of breast cancer. Twenty of them were Black; the rest were White. They asked the women questions to see how well they understood their risk factors, genetic testing, and preventive measures, including prophylactic mastectomies and medications to reduce the risk of breast cancer.
The researchers say their findings suggest that Black women may be less informed about breast cancer prevention. Women with strong family histories or genetic predispositions can face as much as an 80% increased risk of developing breast cancer during their lifetimes. Preventive treatment can reduce the risk by more than half. The researchers say overall, the Black women in the study were more likely to have had a family member experience cancer. Still, they felt less ready and able to cope with their risk and were less informed about their options.
While White women in the study knew about and were more likely to pursue taking preventive medication or having a prophylactic mastectomy, the Black participants were more likely to talk about their faith or other priorities like family and work. 40% of the Black women in the study also had experienced periods of not having health insurance. Only 15% of the Black women said they had access to specialty care, compared to 70% among their White counterparts.
The findings highlight the need for more breast cancer prevention education among Black women and health equity programs to ensure access to preventive care and quality treatment.