HEALTHIER YOU: Black women and breast cancer

BY DR. MARGUERITE BRATHWAITE OB-GYN

Breast cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death in women. In 2025, more than 319,750 new cases of invasive breast cancer and 59,080 new cases of ductal carcinoma in situ will be diagnosed in women in the United States. While there has been an overall 44 percent decline in breast cancer deaths since 1989 — thanks to gains in awareness, earlier diagnoses, and more effective treatments — there is a persistent mortality gap between Black and white women. 

Data compiled by the American Cancer Society highlights the need to close this devastating gap. While breast cancer incidence rates among Black and white women are similar, mortality rates are markedly different, with Black women having a roughly 40-percent higher death rate from breast cancer. Among women under 50, the disparity is even greater: young Black women have double the mortality rate of young white women. 

The gap in breast cancer incidence and outcome among Black women is complex and multifactorial. Socioeconomic, geographic, and lifestyle factors may partially account for disparities. For instance, Black women are statistically more likely to have diabetes, heart disease, and obesity, and are less likely to breastfeed after childbirth — all of which are risk factors for breast cancer. They are more likely than white women to have inadequate health insurance or access to health care facilities, which may affect screening, follow-up care, and completion of therapy. 

These findings by the Breast Cancer Research Foundation are disturbing, but women can be proactive. Be sure to do self-breast checks, making sure you don’t feel anything unusual in your breast. And keep up with your regularly scheduled OBGYN’ appointments. Early detection of cancer in the breast can save your life. 

Women’s Innovative Care is here for you, and we encourage you to make an appointment by calling (702) 413-7740 or visiting us at 851 South Rampart Blvd. Suite 165 in Las Vegas.