are less likely to survive a breast cancer diagnosis
Medical mistrust
Difficulty taking endocrine therapy for hormone receptor-positive breast cancer
Lower levels of health insurance
Delays in follow-up mammograms after an abnormal result
Higher rates of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC)
Delays in starting treatment
More medical training programs are emphasizing racism as a barrier to health. Medical professionals need to be aware of mistrust and work to improve communication and build trust.
Black women often have more side effects and are less likely to stay on the therapy. Open communication helps patients feel more involved in decisions about medications. This supports Black women to continue medications and improve health outcomes.
Many states with the highest populations of Black people haven't expanded Medicaid. Increasing Medicaid coverage in these states may improve healthcare access.
Better access to mammograms is needed. This may include reminder systems, transportation, and social workers to address patient concerns.
Gene mutations that increase the risk of TNBC are seen more often in Black women. Screening for these genes could detect TNBC earlier.
There are many reasons for delays. The support of a nurse navigator can increase the number of Black women who complete treatments. A multilevel approach that includes nurse navigators has been shown to improve breast cancer survival.
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Why BLACK WOMEN
