Black women face alarming disparities when it Comes to breast cancer mortality rates, with studies showing they have age-adjusted mortality rates 40% higher than their white counterparts. Despite comparable mammography screening rates, Black women experience unique barriers tied to socioeconomic factors and perceived discrimination. A noteworthy study investigates these dynamics, aiming to shed light on how perceived everyday discrimination (PED) and socioeconomic status influence mammography behaviors among Black women, who are already at higher risk for breast cancer.
Conducted as part of the Bench to Community Initiative, which emphasizes community engagement, the study included 385 participants primarily comprising Black women, with 77% identifying as African American, African, or Caribbean. Data collection occurred between 2020 and 2022 and relied on a comprehensive 41-item survey covering demographics, perceived discrimination, and mammography history.
Findings highlighted statistically significant links: race, income, and perceived discrimination significantly predicted mammography behavior. Importantly, among the analyzed variables, income disparities emerged as strong indicators, with those earning above $150,000 being 7.74 times more likely to receive mammograms compared to those earning less than $25,000. PED also played a significant role; individuals with higher discrimination reports were found to be 32% less likely to have undergone screening.
The study's authors stress the importance of addressing the social determinants of health to mitigate the risks Black women face, as they navigate complex socio-economic landscapes and systemic barriers to health care. They stated, 'Addressing these social determinants of health factors may improve our … health outcomes, including breast cancer.'
Prior studies have indicated Black women are disproportionately affected by structural inequalities, which limit access to timely mammograms—an important aspect of early breast cancer detection.
This research offers insights for healthcare providers, advocates, and policymakers aimed at improving breast cancer screening rates among marginalized communities. The need for systemic changes is pressing, as the findings elucidate how discrimination intersects with economic factors to contribute to adverse health outcomes.
Only 63% of participants from the study had health insurance and reported college degrees, raising concerns about inequalities even within educated demographics. Despite having higher educational attainment and awareness of health issues, many participants still grappled with accessing preventive care.
One participant’s experience reflected the collective concern, emphasizing the often unrecognized role of discrimination: 'Individuals who reported higher levels of perceived everyday discrimination were less likely to have had a mammogram.'
The conclusions drawn from this study advocate for targeted interventions aimed at dismantling the barriers posed by discrimination and to improve access to mammography screenings for Black women and low-income populations across the U.S. Healthcare practitioners are urged to not only recognize social determinants influencing Black women’s health behaviors but also to apply this knowledge to enact meaningful changes.
Implementing strategies to counteract these discriminatory experiences and develop support systems can be pivotal to enhancing screening adherence. It is evident from this study's results how addressing not only economic but also socio-cultural factors could help transform health outcomes for Black women, fostering equitable healthcare access.