HEALTHIER YOU: Black Women And Breast Cancer

BY DR. MARGUERITE BRATHWAITE OB-GYN

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an important time to focus on the health disparities that characterize this disease. The facts are clear: although Black and white women are diagnosed with breast cancer at virtually the same rate in the U.S., Black women are 40 percent more likely to die from the disease. 

Healthcare access is key to combating this disparity, and the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) is working hard to learn more about the root causes of the inequality. According to the National Cancer Institute, disparities in cancer care can be improved in several ways, including: creating statewide cancer screening programs that are accessible to underserved populations; and addressing the biological differences in breast cancer across racial and ethnic groups. 

Policy makers and healthcare advocates are working toward solutions to combat the disparities, and there is strong evidence that closing access gaps is being shown: in states that expanded Medicaid coverage for low-income Americans, there has been a decrease in race disparity mortality cases for patients with stage 4 cancer under the Affordable Care Act. 

A 2019 study of breast cancer patients on a city level showed that women with more resources (such as education and income) may be better equipped to take advantage of healthcare advances. Indeed, cities that have confronted this problem by increasing access to state-of-the art mammography facilities made significant progress in narrowing the breast cancer mortality gap between Black and white women. 

The biology of breast cancer is inherently complex, which is why we often hear the phrase, “every woman’s breast cancer is unique.” While medicine has made significant progress in understanding the molecular drivers of breast cancer, most studies and clinical trials are conducted in white women. It is critical to expand Black women’s participation in research. 

I look forward to seeing you at the 8th Annual Las Vegas Caravan for Mammogram, a free event taking place October 26 in the Valley Hospital parking lot at 700 Shadow Lane. The festivities begin at 8 a.m. — and it’s always a wonderful time to have fun while building relationships and learning about resources to support your breast health journey. 

All women should have regular healthcare checkups. Make your appointment today by calling Innovative Women’s Care at (702) 413-7740 or visit us at 7650 West Sahara Ave. Suite 100 in Las Vegas.