Disparities in Breast Cancer Screening and Diagnosis Among Black Women: A Path Toward Equity

Abstract

Black women in the United States are diagnosed with breast cancer at younger ages and more advanced stages compared with White women. Although breast cancer mortality has declined in recent decades due to widespread screening and improved therapies, there are notable outcomes disparities by race and ethnicity. Black women, in particular, face marked inequities related to screening, diagnosis, and treatment and face 40% higher breast cancer-specific mortality compared with White women. In this article, we review the epidemiology and biology of breast cancer in Black women and discuss the impact of structural racism and biases on screening access, timeliness, and quality as well as timely diagnosis. We discuss evidence-based strategies to overcome these race-associated disparities in screening and diagnosis. Finally, we highlight persistent barriers to achieving breast cancer equity for Black women and explore future initiatives that are necessary to overcoming disparities.

Keywords: breast cancer; disparities; racial disparities; screening.