By Ahndrea Blue, Making A Difference Foundation
Each October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a compelling reminder of the progress made in the fight against breast cancer. The pink ribbons, walks, and campaigns are vital in raising awareness and encouraging early detection. Yet, amid the sea of pink, we must confront a harsh reality—racial disparities persist in breast cancer diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes. Women of color in the United States face higher mortality rates, delayed diagnosis, and less access to quality care than white women. This is not just a medical issue; it’s a matter of social justice.
While the overall breast cancer mortality rate has declined over the past few decades, these improvements have not been experienced equally across all racial and ethnic groups. Black women, for instance, are diagnosed with breast cancer at slightly lower rates than white women, but they are about 40% more likely to die from the disease. This disparity is particularly stark when it comes to triple-negative breast cancer, a more aggressive form of the disease that is diagnosed disproportionately in Black women—a three-fold increased risk. Latina women, too, face unique challenges. They are more likely to be diagnosed with later-stage breast cancers, which limits treatment options and increases the likelihood of poor outcomes. Structural barriers such as language, immigration status, and lack of access to preventive healthcare further exacerbate these inequities.
One of the critical factors contributing to racial disparities in breast cancer outcomes is access—or lack thereof—to early detection and quality care. Routine mammograms, which can catch breast cancer in its early stages, are one of the most effective tools for improving survival rates. However, women of color are less likely to receive these screenings, often due to inadequate health insurance, financial barriers, or mistrust of the healthcare system.
When breast cancer is detected early, the five-year survival rate is nearly 99%. However, BIPOC women are often diagnosed at more advanced stages, where treatment is more complex, and survival rates drop dramatically. The delay in diagnosis is compounded by the fact that Black women tend to receive less aggressive treatment options, even when accounting for the stage of diagnosis. This points to systemic issues in healthcare, including implicit bias, socioeconomic disparities, and healthcare access gaps.
Breast cancer outcomes are deeply intertwined with racial disparities and broader socioeconomic inequalities. BIPOC women are more likely to live in communities that are under-resourced with limited access to healthcare facilities, healthy food, and educational resources. Lack of transportation and childcare can further limit the ability of women in these communities to attend medical appointments or seek early screenings. Additionally, the high cost of healthcare in the United States creates significant financial barriers for women of color, who are more likely to be uninsured or underinsured. The economic fallout from a cancer diagnosis can devastate families, particularly for those already struggling to make ends meet. BIPOC women are often forced to make difficult choices between paying for treatment and providing for their families.
While Breast Cancer Awareness Month has done much to promote education and support around breast cancer, mainstream campaigns often fail to address the unique challenges faced by women of color. The stories and images highlighted in these campaigns feature white women, leaving women of color feeling unseen and marginalized in a movement meant to include everyone. To bridge this gap, awareness campaigns must be more inclusive, amplifying the voices and stories of these women and tailoring education efforts to these communities. Community-based programs that build trust and offer culturally competent care are essential for closing the gap in breast cancer outcomes.
Achieving health equity in breast cancer care requires a multi-pronged approach. Policymakers must prioritize expanding access to affordable healthcare, ensuring all women have access to early detection and high-quality treatment. Healthcare providers must confront and address implicit biases in medical care and ensure that treatment plans are equitable across racial and ethnic lines.
Community organizations and advocacy groups also play a crucial role. Programs that provide free or low-cost mammograms, transportation to medical appointments, and culturally relevant education materials can significantly impact the health of BIPOC women.
Reflecting on Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it is necessary to recognize that awareness alone is not enough. We must strive to dismantle the systemic inequities that prevent women of color from accessing the care they need. By centering racial disparities in the conversation, we can work toward a future where all women—regardless of race—have the chance to survive and thrive in the face of breast cancer.
Ahndrea Blue is the Founder and President/CEO of Making A Difference Foundation. Making A Difference Foundation’s mission is to make a difference in the lives of others, one person at a time, by helping them acquire the most basic human needs: food, housing, encouragement, and opportunity.