A recent study published in Scientific Reports has uncovered significant disparities in mammography behavior among women of different racial and socioeconomic backgrounds in the United States. The research, conducted by a team led by Jessica Vinegar from California State University, Fullerton, highlights the complex interplay between perceived everyday discrimination, socioeconomic status, and breast cancer screening practices.
The study found that Black women face a 40% higher mortality rate from breast cancer compared to White women, despite similar incidence rates. This disparity is largely attributed to the higher prevalence of triple-negative breast cancer among Black women, which accounts for 21% of breast cancers in this group compared to just 10% in White women.
Socioeconomic factors play a crucial role in mammography behavior. Women with lower incomes were less likely to have had a mammogram, with Black women disproportionately represented in lower income brackets. The research revealed that individuals who reported higher levels of perceived everyday discrimination were less likely to undergo mammography screening.
Education levels also influenced screening rates, with college-educated women more likely to receive mammograms. However, even among educated Black women, mammography rates were lower compared to their White counterparts, suggesting the persistence of racial disparities beyond socioeconomic factors.
The study emphasizes the need for comprehensive interventions that address the unique barriers faced by low-income Black women. These include tackling systemic factors such as discrimination in healthcare and developing strategies to improve access to mammography screening.
By addressing these social determinants of health, researchers hope to reduce the racial gap in breast cancer outcomes and improve healthcare for Black women. The findings underscore the importance of considering the heterogeneity within the Black U.S. population and call for more nuanced approaches to breast cancer prevention and treatment.
See “Perceived everyday discrimination, socioeconomic status, and mammography behavior” (December 28, 2024)
