BREAST CANCER IS A SERIOUS ISSUE FOR ALL WOMEN, BUT IT DISPROPORTIONATELY AFFECTS BLACK WOMEN. IN FACT, BLACK WOMEN ARE 40% MORE LIKELY TO DIE FROM BREAST CANCER THAN WHITE WOMEN.

WHAT WE KNOW

There are many factors that contribute to being diagnosed with breast cancer and surviving breast cancer. For Black women, a key indicator that affects their survival is their race. Black women have a higher mortality rate when it comes to breast cancer. This higher mortality rate isn’t due to just a genetic predisposition (see 2023 study), but also due to a deeply rooted history of injustice and inequality. Black women in America often face a lack of access to healthcare, screenings, and education, all of which contributes to keeping them at a higher breast cancer mortality rate than their White counterparts.

ACCORDING TO THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY

Black people are more likely to die from most cancers and to live the shortest amount of time after a cancer diagnosis than any other racial/ethnic group.
The reason for racial disparities is largely driven by decades of structural racism leading to a higher likelihood of lower socioeconomic status.
Black women are 41% more likely to die from breast cancer even though their incidence rates are similar to or lower than those of White women.
Black women have a lower 5-year survival rate overall for every stage of diagnosis
About 82% of Black women live at least 5 years after their initial breast cancer diagnosis, compared to 92% of White women.
Higher incidence of triple-negative breast cancer which is aggressive and challenging to treat. Black women are twice as likely to be diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer than White women. They’re also 30% more likely to die from cancerous tumors because of lower rates of surgery and chemotherapy.

what we can do

FOR THOSE DIAGNOSED OR AT-RISK:

Be your own advocate: Do your research and educate yourself on how to prevent and/or survive breast cancer. It’s your life and you have to fight for it.
Know your patient rights: Be in charge of your health. Work with doctors who are willing to participate in a decision-making collaboration with you.
Know your breasts: Make sure to do your breast self-checks every month. By doing this, you can “know your normal.”
Get screened: Mammograms are still effective in determining breast cancer. Make sure to stay up to date on physicals and screenings. It is now recommended that women get screened beginning at age 40.
Know your family history: Talk to your relatives about your family’s health history. It could save your life.
Join a breast cancer support group: Breast cancer groups can be an insightful and motivating resource while going through breast cancer treatment.

See below for an extensive list of resources and links for more education and information.

FOR THOSE WHO WOULD LIKE TO HELP:

Raise awareness about risk factors
Remind friends and family members to conduct monthly breast self-exams. Tell them about the KAB App, it’s free!
Donate to a breast cancer group or cause.
Organize a fundraiser.
Raise the issue with your member of Congress. Here’s how.

Breast cancer death rates are 40% higher among black women than white women. (CDC)

KEEP A BREAST RECOGNIZES THE DISPARITIES AFFECTING BLACK WOMEN WITH BREAST CANCER.

In an effort to address the disparities affecting Black women diagnosed with breast cancer, Keep A Breast, has started an initiative aimed at helping to alleviate some of the issues that BIPOC survivors face – the Give Back Grant Program. The Give Back Grant seeks to fight the disparities that Black women face, by providing financial support.

References:

https://www.cancer.org/latest-news/facts-and-figures-african-american-black-people-2022-2024.html

https://www.cancer.org/latest-news/facts-and-figures-african-american-black-people-2022-2024.html#:~:text=Black%20women%20are%2041%25%20more,to%20be%20diagnosed%20with%20it.

https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/sites/default/files/file/supporting_documents/breast-cancer-screening-draft-rec-bulletin.pdf