New Study Tackles Cancer Disparities In Black Women

The risk of dying from cancer has steadily declined in the U.S. over the last few decades, but Black women still have some of the lowest survival rates, as reported by NBC News. According to the National Cancer Institute, although Black women are less likely to be diagnosed with cancer than white women, they are more likely to die of it within five years.

The difference is really big when it comes to breast cancer. Black women die from it 40% more often than white women, even though fewer of them are diagnosed. Also, Black women are 60% more likely to die from cervical cancer and almost twice as likely to die from endometrial cancer compared to white women.

To figure out why these big differences exist, the American Cancer Society started a study called VOICES of Black Women on Tuesday. They aim to sign up over 100,000 Black women aged 25 to 55 in the U.S. This would be the biggest study like this ever done in the country.

The participants must be cancer-free upon enrolling in the study, which will follow them for 30 years to see how their medical histories, lifestyle factors, and experiences of racism affect their risk of developing or dying from cancer.

Participants must live in one of 20 states or Washington, D.C., which together account for than 90% of the U.S. population of Black women ages 25 to 55.

Enrollment starts with a brief registration on the study's website, followed by a survey that asks about medical history, diet, sleep patterns, physical activity, mental health, stress levels, and experiences of racism and discrimination.

Once they are enrolled, participants will be asked to fill out two surveys each year. If a woman develops cancer, the study researchers may ask her permission to reach out to her doctor for more information about her diagnosis. More information on joining the study is available on the society's website.

VOICES of Black Women is described by the American Cancer Society as the largest-ever study of cancer risk and outcomes in Black women in the United States. 

As the American Cancer Society team constructed the study, it said, it was mindful of the long history of “mistreatment and abuse” of Black women’s bodies used to benefit science, “yet Black women have received the fewest benefits compared to their male and White counterparts.”

“It is important that we hear and address your concerns about research, treat you with respect and demonstrate cultural humility,” said the organization.

Besides skin cancer, breast cancer is the second most prevalent type of cancer affecting women in the United States. It is also the leading cancer affecting women of all ethnic backgrounds in the country.

October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to pay tribute to those who have confronted this illness and celebrate survivors' resilience and strength. It serves as a crucial reminder to advocate for your own health. According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, INC, one out of every eight women in the United States will receive a breast cancer diagnosis during her lifetime. In 2023, it's estimated that 297,790 women and 2,800 men will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer. Chances are, you know someone who has been impacted by breast cancer.

While the pink ribbon symbolizes hope and solidarity, it also draws attention to the disparities that affect Black women in their battle against breast cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, Black women are 40% more likely to succumb to breast cancer than their white counterparts. Similarly, the mortality rate for Black women under 50 is twice as high as that for white women in the same age group.

Since the early 1990s, various strategies have been developed to enhance the well-being of breast cancer patients, including early detection and diagnosis, reducing tobacco use, widespread breast cancer screening, and improvements in breast cancer treatments.

Despite advancements in early detection, diagnosis, and screening, many Black women are less likely to receive adequate treatment than white women. Possible risk factors include socioeconomic status, late-stage diagnosis of breast cancer, biological and genetic disparities in tumors, and unequal access to healthcare, among other factors.

That said, numerous Black women have overcome the odds and emerged victorious in their battle against breast cancer. Take a look at these Black celebrities who have triumphed over breast cancer.

TODAY Show talk show host Hoda Kotb received a breast cancer diagnosis back in 2007. Her gynecologist detected lumps in her breast during a routine examination. In response, she decided to undergo a mastectomy and reconstructive surgery.

Mathew Knowles announced during an interview with Good Morning America, that he had received a stage 1A breast cancer diagnosis. The father of Beyoncé and Solange expressed that he became concerned after repeatedly noticing small blood spots on his T-shirts. Medical professionals identified that he had a BRCA2 gene mutation, which elevates the risk of certain cancers. Following the diagnosis, Mathew underwent a mastectomy to remove one breast.

In 2007, Good Morning America host Robin Roberts disclosed her breast cancer diagnosis. Following the discovery of a lump during a self-examination, Roberts openly shared her journey in battling breast cancer. During her struggle, viewers witnessed her shave her head and openly discuss the challenges and triumphs of undergoing chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery.

In 2011, comedian Wanda Sykes underwent breast-reduction surgery. It unexpectedly led to the discovery of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), which is commonly referred to as stage 0 breast cancer. Given her family's breast cancer history, Sykes underwent a double mastectomy.

Actress Vanessa Bell Calloway, known for her role as Princess Imani Izzi in "Coming to America," received a diagnosis of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), or stage 0 breast cancer. In a candid personal essay shared with Ebony magazine, Bell Calloway opened up about her journey with breast cancer, emphasizing how surviving the disease transformed her outlook on life.

Richard Roundtree discovered he had a male form of breast cancer in 1993 after detecting a lump while filming a movie in Costa Rica, as reported by ABC News. After keeping his diagnosis private for five years, actor who played John Shaft in the iconic 1971 film Shaft decided to publicly reveal his survivor status during a celebrity golf tournament, with the aim of raising funds for a mobile breast cancer diagnostic unit.

From the late '80s to the early 2000s, Ananda Lewis was known as the host of shows such as BET's Teen Summit and MTV's TRL. In 2020, she publicly revealed a stage 3 breast cancer diagnosis, as reported by aspireTV. Lewis shared that she had been fighting the disease for two years. During this time, she used her platform to advocate for regular mammograms for women. She acknowledged that her previous reluctance to get mammograms was influenced by her mother's experience, who had undergone the tests only to later be diagnosed with breast cancer.

Trinidadian artist Calypso Rose, also known as the queen of Calypso, navigated through a breast cancer diagnosis in 1996, as reported by Billboard. After battling breast cancer, Rose also underwent heart surgery and overcame stomach cancer. In 2019, she achieved a remarkable feat by becoming the oldest artist to perform at the Coachella festival at the age of 78.

Bershan Shaw, known for her appearance on The Real Housewives of New York City, received a stage 1 breast cancer diagnosis in 2007. She faced another diagnosis in 2009, this time with stage 4 breast cancer. In an interview with Parade magazine, she revealed that she was initially given only three months to live. Shaw conquered breast cancer on two occasions and has since gone on to become a motivational speaker, life coach, interior designer, and a prominent TV personality.