top of page
Search
Writer's pictureVanessa Dim
Oct 307 min read

Breast Cancer Awareness for Women of Color: Breaking Barriers to Save Lives


Written By: Vanessa Dim MPH– Health Education Specialist

Breast Cancer and Its Impact


Breast cancer is a major health concern for all women, but women of color face unique challenges that lead to worse outcomes. For women of color Black, Hispanic, Asian and other women of color they face lack of access to healthcare, cultural stigma, and lack of awareness which can prevent early detection and proper treatment.

More women of color are diagnosed with breast cancer at later stages of the disease where treatment options are limited. It’s crucial to shed light on these disparities, understand the barriers and provide action to save lives in our communities.


Illustrations By: Assata C. Worrell

The Disparities in Women of Color


Breast cancer is the most diagnosed cancer among women worldwide, but the impact of the disease is severe for women of color. Black women are 41% more likely to die from Breast cancer than White women despite similar or lower incidence rates. Hispanic, Indigenous, and Asian women also face higher risks compared to White women, although the exact disparities vary by ethnicity (American Cancer Society, 2023). 


Breast cancer mortality rates show significant disparities among Black, Hispanic, and Indigenous women compared to their white counterparts. According to a 2023 CDC report, non-Hispanic Black women have the highest breast cancer mortality rate, at 26.4 deaths per 100,000 women, compared to 19.4 per 100,000 for non-Hispanic white women (CDC, 2023). These disparities are driven by various factors such as the differences in access to healthcare, aggressive cancer subtypes, and delays in receiving follow-up care after abnormal screenings.

For Hispanic women, the mortality rate is lower at 13.1 per 100,000, but they still face challenges such as cultural barriers and lower screening rates compared to other groups (American Cancer Society, 2024). Indigenous women also face unique healthcare challenges, with mortality rates of 13.7 per 100,000, influenced by geographic isolation and limited access to care (CDC, 2024).

Reducing these disparities requires targeted interventions to improve access to early detection services, culturally competent care, and follow-up treatments, especially in underserved communities.

Breast Cancer in Women of Color
Figure 1: Advanced Tumor in a Woman of Color, Assata C. Worrell

Women of color, particularly Black, Hispanic, and Indigenous women, experience higher breast cancer mortality rates due to being diagnosed at later stages of the disease. Late diagnosis is often a result of barriers such as limited access to healthcare, lower screening rates, and delays in follow-up care. For instance, Black women are more likely to have aggressive forms of breast cancer, like triple-negative breast cancer, and often receive a diagnosis at more advanced stages, which leads to poorer survival outcomes (Breast Cancer Research Foundation, 2023).

Hispanic and Indigenous women face additional challenges such as cultural, geographic, and socioeconomic barriers that contribute to delayed diagnosis and treatment, increasing their risk of death from breast cancer.

Addressing these disparities through better access to screenings and culturally competent care can significantly improve survival rates among women of color.

 

Barriers to Early Detection for Women of Color


When discussing disparities in healthcare access for women of color with breast cancer, there are several key factors such as lack of health insurance, geographic challenges, and systemic racism within healthcare settings. These issues contribute to the unequal access to timely diagnosis and high-quality treatment, which significantly affects outcomes for women of color.


Lack of Health Insurance: Women of color are disproportionately uninsured or underinsured compared to their white counterparts, which limits their access to preventive services like mammograms. Without regular screenings, breast cancer is often detected at more advanced stages when treatment is less effective (Wheeler et al., 2013). This insurance gap results in higher mortality rates for Black and Hispanic women with breast cancer.


Geographic Barriers: Many Indigenous women and those living in rural areas face significant obstacles due to geographic isolation. Access to healthcare facilities offering screenings and specialized treatments is limited, leading to delays in diagnosis and treatment. These delays can be life-threatening, as breast cancer detected at later stages has worse outcomes (Wheeler et al., 2013).


Systemic Racism: Women of color encounter systemic racism in the form of implicit bias leading to delays in care. Research indicates that Black women are more likely to experience delays in follow-up care after abnormal mammograms, contributing to later-stage diagnoses and poorer survival outcomes compared to white women (DeSantis et al., 2023; Wheeler et al., 2013).


These inequities highlight the need for systemic change in the healthcare industry, including better bias training for healthcare providers, more equitable access to timely screenings, and providing treatment improvements for underserved populations.

 

The Importance of Early Detection and Screening for Women of Color:



Breast Cancer in Women of Color
Figure 2: Early Stage in a Woman of Color, Assata C. Worrell

Early detection is essential to reducing breast cancer mortality. Mammograms and self-exams are crucial tools for catching the disease early, particularly since Black and Hispanic women often experience more aggressive forms of breast cancer, like triple-negative breast cancer. With early detection women will have a chance to prevent cancer early when detected through mammograms and performing a self-exam regularly. The American Cancer Society suggests starting mammograms at age 40, but women of color should work with their doctors to tailor screening schedules based on personal and family history, as well as specific risk factors (American Cancer Society, 2024).  Having open conversations with healthcare providers can help personalize screening plans, making it easier to stay proactive about breast health.

 

Overcoming Cultural Barriers to Screening

Women of color often face significant cultural barriers to breast cancer screening, including stigma, fear, and misconceptions surrounding cancer. Many communities view cancer as a death sentence, leading to avoidance of early detection practices like mammograms. These misconceptions can prevent timely intervention and treatment.

There's a lot of misconceptions. Some people believe that a cancer diagnosis automatically means death, which can lead to avoiding mammograms altogether. This fear only harms us women because early detection is crucial for survival.

Culturally sensitive outreach and education programs are crucial in addressing these barriers. By tailoring information to resonate with specific cultural beliefs and using trusted community voices, these programs can dispel myths, reduce fear, and encourage women to prioritize their health (CDC, 2023; American Cancer Society, 2024).

When messages come from trusted community members and resonate with us, they can help break down the fear, encouraging us to prioritize our health and get screened early. The goal is to create an environment where healthcare feels accessible and safe for everyone, regardless of cultural/ethnic background.

 

Programs that speak our language, respect our beliefs, and provide clear information on the benefits of early detection can go a long way in reducing the mortality gap for women of color. We deserve healthcare that understands us and meets us where we are.

 

Challenges Women of Color Face Accessing Care

Women of color often face numerous challenges in accessing healthcare. Mistrust of the medical system is a major factor, rooted in historical and ongoing discrimination. Many women feel their symptoms won’t be taken seriously, leading to delays in care (Scharff et al., 2010). Language barriers also pose significant challenges, with non-native English speakers struggling to communicate effectively, which can affect understanding of diagnoses and treatment options.  Culturally competent care is vital to improve communication but also ensures that patients feel understood and respected. Early discussions about treatment options, using clear and culturally relevant communication, can significantly improve health outcomes and foster trust between patients and providers.

 

Steps To Reducing Disparities

Reducing breast cancer disparities for Women of Color starts with making sure the information is culturally relevant and easy to understand. Studies show that tailored health messaging increases the likelihood of early detection and better health outcomes. Partnering with community organizations and influencers can spread awareness effectively within these communities, which is key to overcoming barriers like mistrust and misinformation (American Cancer Society, 2024).

To reduce breast cancer disparities for women of color, it’s essential to provide culturally relevant information that resonates with their communities. Research shows that tailored messaging can improve early detection rates. Partnering with community organizations and media influencers helps to effectively spread awareness and overcome barriers like mistrust. Healthcare professionals and policymakers need to address systemic inequities by ensuring equal access to care and unbiased treatment. Additionally, increasing diversity in clinical trials is crucial for more inclusive findings that can lead to better treatment outcomes for all populations.

 

Breast Cancer in Women of Color
Figure 3: Healed Woman of Color, Assata C. Worrell

Ways to Support Women of Color for Breast Cancer Awareness

Supporting women of color during Breast Cancer Awareness is all about empowering them to take control of their health. Encourage regular screenings, like mammograms, and self-advocacy—knowing when to ask questions and push for the care they deserve. Sharing educational resources can also help women better understand their risks and the importance of early detection.

Getting involved by donating to breast cancer organizations, or participating in local awareness events, is another way to make a difference. Also, providing a list of clinics and healthcare providers in underserved areas can ensure that these women have access to necessary screenings and care.




References

 

Hi, I'm Vanessa Okeke-Dim, MPH, a public health expert specializing in health education, program implementation, and outreach for underserved populations. With over seven years of experience across the U.S. and Africa, I'm skilled in addressing health disparities through motivational interviewing, medication adherence strategies, and individualized wellness plans. I have a deep understanding of diverse socioeconomic and demographic factors affecting healthcare and is committed to enhancing healthcare access and equity through evidence-based strategies and impactful community collaborations.



HireSpace | © 2024 Across Platforms. All Rights Reserved.

Tags:

28 views0 comments

Commentaires

bottom of page