Black women have a higher risk of dying from all types of breast cancer compared to white women

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that Black women are more likely than white women to die from treatable types of breast cancer, despite similar diagnosis rates. The disparities in mortality rates are attributed to social and economic factors rather than biological differences. The study looked at 230,000 patients with breast cancer, comparing mortality rates based on molecular subtypes of the cancer. Black women were found to be 40% more likely to die from breast cancer than white women. The biggest disparities were seen in hormone receptor-positive tumors, which require extended treatment with hormonal therapy. Access to healthcare, affordability of treatments, and social determinants of health play a significant role in these disparities. Black women are more likely to face barriers such as lack of representation in clinical trials, younger age of diagnosis, and advanced stages of cancer upon diagnosis. Early detection through screening and awareness of family history are important for improving outcomes. Providing patient navigators and access to healthcare facilities can help reduce disparities. Efforts to address these disparities are essential in eliminating the racial gaps in breast cancer mortality rates.

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