Black women in the U.S. who live in socially disadvantaged neighborhoods face a significantly higher risk of developing triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), a particularly aggressive form of the disease. A study led by Dr. Alexandra Hernandez at the University of Miami found that TNBC incidence rates were highest among women in the most socially adverse environments.
Using data from over 13,000 Black women in the SEER program, researchers measured social adversity through the Yost Index, which accounts for neighborhood socioeconomic status. Women in the highest adversity group had an incidence rate of 19.3, compared to 17.2 in the lowest adversity group. “These findings suggest an early and critical source of downstream breast cancer survival disparities,” the authors wrote.
TNBC disproportionately affects non-Hispanic Black women, especially those in underserved areas. Prior studies show that disadvantaged patients are less likely to attend follow-up imaging appointments, compounding the problem. The study emphasizes that TNBC is not just a biological issue—it’s deeply tied to social conditions.
To address these disparities, the authors call for targeted investments in affected communities. They recommend enforcing environmental regulations, improving access to healthy food, and funding safety initiatives. “Policies that address redlining through equitable housing and infrastructure investment may help dismantle the social and environmental conditions that contribute to TNBC disparities,” they noted.
Geospatial tools could also help identify high-risk counties and guide cancer control efforts, ensuring that interventions reach those most in need.
See: “Social adversity tied to TNBC incidence rates in Black women” (October 14, 2025)
