Black women have a higher risk of dying from all types of breast cancer, according to a meta-analysis led by Mass General Brigham researchers. Published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, the study reveals that Black women are 40% more likely to die from breast cancer than white women. This disparity exists across all tumor subtypes, with mortality rates varying from 17% to 50% depending on the type of breast cancer. Senior author Erica Warner, ScD, MPH, a cancer epidemiologist at Massachusetts General Hospital, emphasized that these higher mortality rates are influenced by factors beyond tumor biology. Socioeconomic inequality, delays…
Author: Disparity Matters
A new study reveals that socioeconomic factors play a major role in racial disparities in colorectal cancer survival. Researchers at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center found that neighborhood socioeconomic status accounts for 29% of the survival gap between Black and White patients. The study, which analyzed data from over 47,000 colorectal cancer patients, showed that Black patients had worse overall survival compared to White patients. In contrast, Asian and Hispanic patients had better survival outcomes than White patients. Molecular characteristics, including genetic mutations, contributed 10% to the survival disparity. However, approximately 60% of the disparity remained unexplained even after…
Repurposing COVID-19 testing sites into Neighborhood Wellness Centers to tackle health disparities among marginalized communities.
A new scientific statement from the American Heart Association, published in Circulation, highlights how social factors uniquely impact the cardiovascular health of various Asian American subgroups. The report emphasizes that immigration status, socioeconomic position, and access to healthcare contribute to differences in heart disease and stroke risks among Asian Americans, who are the fastest-growing ethnic group in the U.S. The study found that Asian Americans are often underrepresented in medical research, partly due to language barriers and a reluctance to participate in studies. This underrepresentation can obscure the specific health needs of different Asian subgroups, such as Chinese, Indian, Filipino, Vietnamese,…
Integrating training on cultural competency and health equity into medical curriculum
A new report reveals that Black women are 25% more likely to undergo a cesarean section (C-section) than white women, raising concerns about implicit racial bias in healthcare. The study, conducted by the National Bureau of Economic Research, analyzed nearly one million births at 68 hospitals in New Jersey from 2008 to 2017. Researchers suggest that financial incentives and implicit bias among healthcare providers may contribute to this disparity. The report indicates that Black women are more likely to experience pressure from clinicians to undergo C-sections, even when they are not medically necessary. This trend is alarming, as C-sections carry higher…
A new cervical cancer screening method approved by the FDA in May could significantly reduce racial disparities in cervical cancer outcomes. The new technique allows women to self-swab their vaginas in a medical setting, similar to providing a urine sample, which is less invasive than the traditional Pap smear. This method is expected to increase screening rates, particularly among women who find Pap smears uncomfortable or traumatic. Dr. Lucy Chie of Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center highlighted the potential benefits, stating, “Anything that can help increase cervical cancer screening will be helpful in lowering cervical cancer rates.” The new self-collection…
Investing $210+ million in scientific research on health inequities and expanding opportunities for underrepresented groups in science and medicine
A new report from the American Cancer Society (ACS) reveals significant disparities in cancer care for Hispanic people in the United States. The report, published in Cancer Facts & Figures for Hispanic/Latino People 2024-2026, highlights that obstacles to care, such as structural racism, poverty, and language barriers, contribute to lower cancer screening, early detection, and survival rates for Hispanic individuals compared to white individuals. The report indicates that Hispanic people are the second largest and youngest racial/ethnic group in the US, comprising about 19% of the total population. Despite this, they face considerable challenges in accessing quality healthcare. The majority of…
A comprehensive study conducted at a major cancer center reveals significant racial and ethnic disparities in colorectal cancer survival rates. The research, published in JAMA Oncology, analyzed data from over 47,000 patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer over a 50-year period. The study found that Black patients had worse overall survival compared to White patients, with a 16% higher risk of death. Conversely, Asian and Hispanic patients showed better survival rates. Alarmingly, the disparity between Black and White patients has been increasing over the past two decades, with the gap widening from 2008 to 2023. Researchers identified several factors contributing to these disparities.…