Care, Community Breast cancer does not affect all women the same. In the U.S. today, a Black woman is about 40 percent more likely to die from breast cancer than a white woman. Part of the reason for this – she’s more likely to be diagnosed at a younger age, at later stages and with more aggressive, harder-to-treat subtypes. The tragic disparities in outcomes aren’t just caused by genetics. They are also due to systemic bias and racism that cause unequal access to health care, a lack of diversity in medical research and services and unaddressed cultural barriers, among other things. Diagnosis Rates of Breast Cancer in Black WomenBreast cancer is the most common cancer in Black women. In 2019, about 33,840 Black women were expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer. Yet while breast cancer incidence is higher in white women than in Black women, Black women diagnosed with the disease are more likely to die from it. The average age of diagnosis for Black women is 60 – compared to 63 for white women – and diagnosis under the age of 40 is highest in Black women. Common Types of Breast Cancer in Black WomenA breast cancer subtype called Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is most prevalent among Black women. It is a rare and aggressive form of breast cancer that affects women of African descent three times more than white or Hispanic women. TNBC is more likely to recur than other breast cancers, and when it does recur it usually happens within a few years of completing treatment, and the prognosis is usually poor. Additionally, TNBC does not currently have many treatment options. The tumors lack the three hormone receptors that fuel most breast cancers (estrogen receptors, progesterone receptors and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 – or HER2), which means the targeted therapies used in breast cancer treatment don’t work for patients with TNBC. Recent advancements through clinical trials have provided more treatment options for this type of cancer and more are under development. Mortality Rates for Black Women with Breast CancerBreast cancer is deadliest in Black women. One reason is the type of breast cancer more common in Black women – TNBC – but there are many compounding social reasons contributing to Black women being about 40 percent more likely to die from breast cancer than white women. At Susan G Komen, we believe these inequities must end. We’re striving to make this the moment that changes everything. WE’RE WORKING TO: Ensure equal access to timely, affordable, high-quality risk assessment, screening, diagnostic and treatment services.Actively recruit and retain Black patient navigators in the workforce.Educate the community about risk factors and encourage behaviors to increase early detection, reduce late-stage diagnoses and improve mortality rates.Fund research to identify and treat the causes of racial disparities in breast cancer outcomes. learn more << Previous Post Mortality Rates for Black Women... Komen Blog Read More Next Post >> Women Should Consider Getting Screened... Komen Blog Read More Related Stories Previous Next Komen Blog Knowing Your Family Health History... Read More Komen Blog An Opportunity To Live Read More Komen Blog The Racial Injustice of Breast... Read More Komen Blog Mortality Rates for Black Women... Read More Komen Blog Komen’s 2021-2022 Advocacy Priorities Seek... Read More Komen Blog Tips for Living a Healthy... Read More Komen Blog Breast Cancer, No Longer Your... Read More Komen Blog When Pink is Just Another... Read More Komen Blog Social Justice Is An Issue... Read More Komen Blog Patients’ Access Webinar and COVID-19 Read More Komen Blog I Am Healed Read More Komen Blog This Man is Helping Those... Read More Komen Blog Sherene Loi Discusses Major Breakthrough... Read More Komen Blog In Case You Missed It:... Read More Komen Blog Susan G. Komen Helpline Offers... Read More Komen Blog FDA’s New Guidance Recommends Including... Read More Komen Blog Komen Raises Concerns About State’s... Read More Komen Blog What Does Metastatic Breast Cancer... Read More Komen Blog Knowing Your Family Health History... Read More Komen Blog An Opportunity To Live Read More Komen Blog The Racial Injustice of Breast... Read More Komen Blog Mortality Rates for Black Women... Read More Komen Blog Komen’s 2021-2022 Advocacy Priorities Seek... Read More Komen Blog Tips for Living a Healthy... Read More Komen Blog Breast Cancer, No Longer Your... Read More Komen Blog When Pink is Just Another... Read More Komen Blog Social Justice Is An Issue... Read More Komen Blog Research Badge Read More Komen Blog Cancer Screenings During COVID-19: A... Read More Komen Blog Cherishing Every Moment Read More Komen Blog Hail Marys, Hoops and Hope Read More Komen Blog Who’s Your One: Glenn and... Read More Komen Blog Beyond the Heart of the... Read More Komen Blog Drinking Alcohol in Moderation –... Read More Komen Blog What You Need to Know... Read More