Cancer, the lethal uncontrollable invader that leads the body to its most vulnerable state. A single term that holds the weight of numerous diseases characterized by the rapid, abnormal growth of cells in different parts of the body. This distorted process of the cell proliferation cycle is highly destructive to one's well-being. Cancer is the second-leading cause of mortality in the United States, with breast cancer being one of the most common types of cancer that predominantly affects women. This type of cancer frequently begins with the cells in the milk-producing ducts. These cells proliferate uncontrollably and more quickly than functionally normal cells, resulting in the formation of a lump or mass in the breast area. Cancer cells can also metastasize (spread) through the breast to other parts of the body.
Risks associated with breast cancer vary from genetic makeup to lifestyle and environmental factors. The interaction of social, biological, and lifestyle factors reveal cancer disparities that exist among certain racial/ethnic groups who experience obstacles in receiving the proper treatment. For instance, low-income individuals who lack health insurance or paid medical leave are less likely to have recommended cancer screening and be treated accordingly. Unreliable access to health care is another instance that causes individuals to get diagnosed with late-stage cancer. Therefore, they do not receive the full potential of the treatment.
As with any type of cancer, disparities in breast cancer are prevalent in the United States. According to studies, American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian Indian/Pakistani, Black, Filipino, Hawaiian, Mexican, Puerto Rican, and Samoan women had 1.3-7.1-fold higher odds of presenting with stage IV breast cancer compared to non-Hispanic white women. Additionally, almost all subgroups of women were more likely to be diagnosed with hormone receptor-negative tumors (estrogen receptor-negative/progesterone receptor-negative). For these tumors, Black and Puerto Rican women had 2.4 and 1.9-fold higher odds, respectively, compared to non-Hispanic white women. These differences in breast cancer rates among groups are attributed by disparities in access to care and socioeconomic status. This suggests that diversity in clinical research is crucial in targeting cancer disparities and developing successful treatment approaches.
Data collected from research studies further confirms the presence of health inequity in certain racial/ethnic groups. All people deserve to live healthier and longer without barriers that prevent accessible and adequate medical treatment. Cancer disparities are seriously impacting these communities by decreasing their survival rates. Culturally appropriate interventions are imperative in eliminating cancer disparities among populations. Addressing this issue is demanding and challenging because cancer disparities comprise many factors; responsible institutions must implement strategies to reduce higher rates of cancer complications in certain racial/ethnic groups. Improving access to health care is key while addressing this issue. Educating the community about the early symptoms and preventive measures of breast cancer can also be a helpful strategy in reducing breast cancer disparities.
Take action:
National Breast Cancer Foundation:
Resources:
Cancer disparities. National Cancer Institute. (n.d.). Retrieved December 9, 2022, from https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/understanding/disparities#:~:text=Cancer%20disparities%20reflect%20the%20interplay,including%20cancer%20risk%20and%20outcomes.
Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2022, April 27). Breast cancer. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved December 9, 2022, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/breast-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20352470
Ooi SL, Martinez ME, Li CI. Disparities in breast cancer characteristics and outcomes by race/ethnicity. Breast Cancer Research and Treatment. 2011 Jun;127(3):729-738. DOI: 10.1007/s10549-010-1191-6. PMID: 21076864; PMCID: PMC3081535.
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