Breast Cancer Mortality Higher for Black Women Across Subtypes

Even though Black and white women are diagnosed with breast cancer at similar rates, Black women are around 40% more likely to die from the disease. Now, a new study has found that this is true across all types of breast cancer.

According to the research, published in September in the Journal of Clinical Oncology , this outcome is at least partially due to factors other than biology, including socioeconomic inequality, delays in diagnosis, and systemic racism.

“Black women are more likely to die of breast cancer no matter the subtype,” Jasmine Miller-Kleinhenz, PhD, assistant professor of population health at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, told Health.

https://www.health.com/+breast-cancer “This is important because it highlights that these health disparities are not just a matter of tumor biology, but are determined by social and structural drivers of health.”

Here’s what experts had to say about the new study and how the U.S. can address breast cancer disparities between Black and white women.

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What are some key factors⁤ contributing ⁢to the higher breast cancer mortality‍ rate among Black ​women compared to white women?

## Interview: A Closer ‌Look at the Racial Disparity in Breast Cancer Mortality

**Host:** Joining us today⁣ is Dr. [Guest Name], a leading oncologist and ⁢researcher⁢ specializing in breast cancer.⁣ Dr. [Guest Name], thank you for‍ being here.

**Dr. [Guest Name]:**⁣ Thanks for⁤ having me.

**Host:** We’ve seen alarming statistics recently regarding ‌breast cancer and its disproportionate impact on black ⁢women. While‍ diagnosis rates ‍are similar across racial groups, mortality⁤ rates for ​black ‌women are significantly higher. Can you shed some light‌ on this‌ concerning trend?

**Dr. [Guest Name]:** That’s right. The American Cancer⁣ Society just released new⁤ data highlighting this ⁣persistent ⁢disparity. Black women are, tragically, about 40% more likely to die​ from ⁣breast cancer compared⁣ to white⁤ women [[1](https://www.cancer.org/research/acs-research-news/breast-cancer-death-rates-are-highest-for-black-women-again.html)].

**Host:** 40%‍ is a staggering figure. What are some of⁢ the key factors behind this ‍gap?

**Dr. [Guest Name]:** It’s a complex ⁣issue stemming from a combination of factors. Access to quality healthcare⁢ is crucial, and ‌unfortunately, systemic ⁤inequities lead⁢ to disparities in access to‌ timely screening, diagnosis, and treatment for many black women. Additionally, there are biological differences in tumor aggressiveness and response to treatment that need further research.‌ social ⁤determinants of health, like poverty and lack of access to healthy food and environments, unfortunately contribute to poorer ‌health outcomes.

**Host:** So, ⁢what can be done to ⁤address this deeply rooted problem?

**Dr. [Guest Name]:** We need a multi-pronged approach. Improving ⁢access to affordable and comprehensive healthcare for all is paramount. We also need to invest in ​research to better understand ‌the unique challenges⁢ faced by black ​women with breast cancer and develop ⁤more targeted treatments. ​Amplifying awareness within the community about screening⁣ guidelines ​and early detection is ⁤vital.

**Host:**

Dr. [Guest Name], this is⁤ critically important information, and we thank you for bringing these issues to ⁣light. ⁤ We urge‌ our viewers to learn⁢ more about breast cancer‌ disparities⁢ and advocate for change.