Feb 16, 2025 Story by: Editor
Black women in the UK are at a significantly higher risk of dying from breast cancer, often receiving diagnoses at later stages and with more aggressive forms of the disease. A key factor contributing to this disparity is the notably lower rate of breast cancer screening among Black women compared to other demographic groups.
A recent review study published in Psycho-Oncology by researchers at the University of Surrey highlights critical gaps in existing research on breast cancer within the Black community, as well as the barriers that prevent Black African and Black Caribbean women in the UK from participating in potentially life-saving screenings.
The study found that previous research often combined Black women from diverse backgrounds—such as Black African and Black Caribbean—without considering important cultural distinctions and varying experiences. Additionally, most available research primarily focused on women who either attend screenings or are ineligible, overlooking the crucial perspectives of eligible women who choose not to participate.
Moreover, the study points out that interventions aimed at increasing screening rates fail to address the diverse emotional and psycho-social barriers that Black women face. These barriers often differ based on cultural background and country of origin. For example, African women are more likely to cite fear of stigma associated with breast cancer than their Caribbean counterparts.
“Our study confirms that Black women in the UK deserve better from the scientific and health communities—with significant disparities in breast cancer screening uptake showing a need for more culturally sensitive research on breast cancer screening in Black communities. It is imperative that we prioritize targeted research efforts to fully understand and address the barriers these women face. Only then can we create effective interventions that empower them to take charge of their breast health,” said Anietie Aliu, lead author of the research, University of Surrey. Source: News Medical
