Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Addressing Racial Disparities in Detection, Treatment, and Outcomes

By Andrea Blue | The Seattle medium | Word In Black

This post was originally published on Seattle Medium

(WIB) – Every October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a compelling reminder of the progress made in the fight against breast cancer. Pink ribbons, walks and campaigns are vital to raise awareness and encourage early detection. Yet amid the sea of pink, we must face a harsh reality: Racial disparities persist in breast cancer diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes. Women of color in the United States face higher death rates, delayed diagnosis, and less access to quality care than white women. This is not just a medical problem; it’s a matter of social justice.

*Ahndrea Blue is the founder and president/CEO of the Making A Difference Foundation*. (Courtesy photo)

Although the overall death rate from breast cancer has declined over the past few decades, these improvements have not been experienced equally across racial and ethnic groups. Black women, for example, are diagnosed with breast cancer at slightly lower rates than white women, but are 40% more likely to die from the disease. This disparity is particularly stark for triple-negative breast cancer, a more aggressive form of the disease that is disproportionately diagnosed in black women, a triple risk. Latina women also face unique challenges. They are more likely to be diagnosed with later-stage breast cancers, which limits treatment options and increases the likelihood of poor outcomes. Structural barriers such as language, immigration status, and lack of access to preventive health care further exacerbate these inequities.

One of the critical factors contributing to racial disparities in breast cancer outcomes is access, or lack thereof, to early detection and quality care. Routine mammograms, which can detect breast cancer in its early stages, are one of the most effective tools for improving survival rates. However, women of color are less likely to receive these tests, often due to inadequate health insurance, financial barriers, or mistrust of the health care system.

When breast cancer is detected early, the five-year survival rate is almost 99%. However, BIPOC women are often diagnosed at more advanced stages, where treatment is more complex and survival rates drop dramatically. The delay in diagnosis is compounded by the fact that black women tend to receive less aggressive treatment options, even when stage of diagnosis is taken into account. This points to systemic problems in health care, including implicit bias, socioeconomic disparities, and health access gaps.

Breast cancer outcomes are deeply intertwined with racial disparities and broader socioeconomic inequalities. BIPOC women are more likely to live in low-resource communities with limited access to healthcare, healthy food and educational resources. Lack of transportation and childcare can further limit the ability of women in these communities to attend medical appointments or seek early screening. In addition, the high cost of health care in the United States creates significant financial barriers for women of color, who are more likely to be uninsured or uninsured. The financial consequences of a cancer diagnosis can be devastating to families, especially for those already struggling to make ends meet. BIPOC women are often forced to make difficult decisions between paying for treatment and supporting their families.

While Breast Cancer Awareness Month has done much to promote education and support around breast cancer, mainstream campaigns often fail to address the unique challenges women of color face. The stories and images featured in these campaigns feature white women, leaving women of color unseen and marginalized in a movement that aims to be inclusive. To bridge this gap, awareness campaigns must be more inclusive, amplifying the voices and stories of these women and tailoring educational efforts to these communities. Community-based programs that build trust and provide culturally competent care are essential to closing the gap in breast cancer outcomes.

Achieving health equity in breast cancer care requires a multi-pronged approach. Policymakers must prioritize expanding access to affordable health care, ensuring that all women have access to early detection and high-quality treatment. Health care providers must confront and address implicit biases in medical care and ensure that treatment plans are equitable across racial and ethnic lines.

Community organizations and advocacy groups also play a crucial role. Programs that provide free or low-cost mammograms, transportation to medical appointments, and culturally relevant educational materials can significantly impact the health of BIPOC women.

Reflecting on Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it must be recognized that awareness alone is not enough. We must strive to dismantle the systemic inequities that prevent women of color from accessing the care they need. By focusing racial disparities in the conversation, we can work toward a future where all women, regardless of race, have the opportunity to survive and thrive in the face of breast cancer.

Ahndrea Blue is the founder and president/CEO of the Making A Difference Foundation. The mission of the Making A Difference Foundation is to make a difference in the lives of others, one person at a time, by helping them acquire the most basic human needs: food, shelter, encouragement and opportunity.

By Andrea Blue | The Seattle medium | Word In Black

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