Several prior studies have documented the significantly higher rates of breast cancer mortality for Black women compared to White women. According to a recent study published in Scientific Reports, these disparities could be a result of differences in mammography behavior among low-income Black women who frequently experience everyday discrimination.
The study included a sample of 385 participants from the “Bench to Community Initiative,” a project aimed examining the association of breast cancer risk and exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals in personal care products. The participating women, who were all salon owners or hairstylists, completed a survey regarding their demographics, frequency of experiencing perceived everyday discrimination, socioeconomic status, mammography behavior, and past breast cancer diagnoses.
Upon analyzing the survey results, the authors found significantly lower rates of mammography behavior among Black women. Less than two-thirds (63 percent) of Black women participants reported having at least one prior mammogram, compared to 88 percent of White women participants. Compared to White women, Black women respondents were more likely to report lower income-levels and higher frequencies of perceived everyday racism – both of which were factors associated with lower rates of mammography behavior.
“Societal level interventions that address gender and racial pay differences may further reduce the financial burden of out-of-pocket [healthcare] expenses,” the authors write. “Addressing the social determinants of health factors unique to Black women will not only increase mammography screening and improve breast cancer outcomes for this population but may lessen the economic burden that disparate health outcomes create.”
The research team consisted of scholars from California State University, Fullerton, California Lutheran University, and the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.
