Experiences of Black Women With Breast Cancer Highlight Need for Better Care, Improved Outcomes

Susan G. Komen^® Patient Care Center Helps Remove Barriers To Diagnosis, Treatment 

In the United States, breast cancer affects Black women and white women in extremely different ways. White women are more likely to be diagnosed with the disease overall, however, Black women are more likely to have aggressive types of breast cancer and are 40 percent more likely to die from it. Since the founding of Susan G. Komen^®, the world’s leading breast cancer organization four decades ago, much progress in detecting and treating breast cancer has been made. Yet, inequities in care, treatment and outcomes between Black and white women with the disease remain. This is unacceptable.

Black women often have aggressive types of breast cancer and are 40% more likely to die from it. This is unacceptable.

Black women face obstacles and challenges that white women do not due to a combination of factors, including barriers to early diagnosis, the aggressive nature of certain breast cancers that tend to be more common in Black women, such as triple negative breast cancer, systemic racism, discrimination, and a lack of quality care.

Melissa Jones saw her life flash before her eyes when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Her mother and aunt are survivors and as a single mother, she worried about her daughters and what would happen to them if she died. She felt overwhelmed, lost her job and struggled mentally, emotionally and financially.

Monique Eddins remembers being shocked when she received a breast cancer diagnosis. “I had to maintain my composure when I got the phone call because I was in class, so I told the nurse I would call when I was back in my office. When I called her back, she told me the stage, grade and that I have triple negative breast cancer. I had to come back in the following day to discuss a plan forward.”

Breast cancer does not run in Monique’s family, yet through genetic testing, she learned she carries a genetic mutation that increases her risk of breast cancer. “Because of my BRCA 1 gene mutation, I am at risk of ovarian and pancreatic cancers as well. I have three boys ages 17, 15 and 14 and one daughter who is 9. I worry about all of them. They could be carriers of the gene mutation, too, and potentially get breast cancer,” she adds.

Breast cancer affects one out of every eight women in the U.S. throughout her lifetime, but lives can be saved when the cancer is caught early. Knowing your risk of breast cancer allows you to make informed choices about your health and take steps to minimize the chances of developing the disease. Learn more about risk here and ways you can take control of your breast health.

Susan G. Komen’s Patient Care Center provides support for anyone concerned about breast cancer. Call 1-877-GO-KOMEN (1-877-465-6636) or email [email protected] to connect with a professional who can provide emotional support, access to breast health services, information about clinical trials, breast health and breast cancer education and more.

About Susan G. Komen^®

Susan G. Komen^® is the world’s leading nonprofit breast cancer organization, working to save lives and end breast cancer forever. Komen has an unmatched, comprehensive 360-degree approach to fighting this disease across all fronts and supporting millions of people in the U.S. and in countries worldwide. We advocate for patients, drive research breakthroughs, improve access to high-quality care, offer direct patient support and empower people with trustworthy information. Founded by Nancy G. Brinker, who promised her sister, Susan G. Komen, that she would end the disease that claimed Suzy’s life, Komen remains committed to supporting those affected by breast cancer today, while tirelessly searching for tomorrow’s cures. Visit komen.org or call 1-877 GO KOMEN. Connect with us on social at www.komen.org/contact-us/follow-us/.

CONTACT: Camille Smith
Susan G. Komen
(972) 855-1688
[email protected]