Breast cancer toll among black women fed in part by fear, silence

[Starry Messenger]

http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/breast-cancer-toll-among-black-women-fed-in-part-by-fear-silence/2012/03/02/gIQANhzbQS_story.html

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Health data, however, tell a different story. Across the country, women of color report higher rates of disease and health problems, are more likely to be uninsured and have had fewer doctor visits for preventive care. A 2009 Kaiser study noted “consistently higher rates of health challenges among black women, ranging from poor health status to chronic illness to obesity and cancer deaths.”

For breast cancer in particular, experts cite some additional factors: Black women often get their diagnoses at later stages and appear to be more susceptible to aggressive tumors. They also have a higher rate than white women of a diagnosis before age 40.

Income is a significant factor. A 2008 review of scientific literature on breast cancer noted: “Poverty is associated with poorer breast cancer outcomes for all Americans, regardless of race.” However, the researchers added, “because a larger proportion of African-Americans than whites live in poverty, African-Americans are more likely to face poverty-related barriers,” such as lack of primary-care physicians, poor access to care and a lack of information. Other studies show that black women are vulnerable to worse outcomes even after controlling for income.

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Many of the findings of the Post-Kaiser survey support Hinton Hoytt’s assessment. Black women were more likely than white women to report being worried about losing their jobs, not having enough money to pay their bills, being a victim of a violent crime and being discriminated against. They are more often responsible for their elderly relatives’ financial needs and more likely to provide child care for family and friends.