Feb 24, 2025 Story by: Editor
A study conducted by the University of Surrey has identified what it describes as “critical gaps” in breast cancer care for the Black community.
The research found that Black African and Caribbean women in the UK face barriers to accessing screenings, putting them at a higher risk of dying from breast cancer.
Anietie Aliu, the study’s lead author, stated: “Black women deserve better from the scientific and health communities.”
In response, the NHS announced the launch of its first national breast screening campaign aimed at addressing these concerns and reaching women from ethnic backgrounds who are less likely to attend screenings.
Ms. Aliu emphasized the importance of focused research to understand and eliminate these barriers, saying: “It is imperative that we prioritise targeted research efforts to fully understand and address the barriers these women face.”
The study highlighted that previous research often grouped Black African and Black Caribbean women together, overlooking crucial cultural differences and unique experiences.
Additionally, it found that existing interventions to encourage screening participation failed to address the emotional and psycho-social challenges specific to Black women.
Ms. Aliu stressed the need for “more culturally sensitive research on breast cancer screening in the black communities.”
Helena Boyce, a 46-year-old mother of two who was diagnosed with aggressive breast cancer three times between 2014 and 2023, said she was not surprised by the study’s findings.
Speaking to BBC Sounds, she shared her feelings of isolation during treatment due to the lack of representation, saying she saw “little to no representation in leaflets, adverts [and] magazines.”
“Women of colour across the country are not being given basic things like wigs that match their natural hair, prosthesis that don’t match their skin tone and are dealing with the discomforts of microaggressions and stereotypes,” she added.
Michelle Kane, NHS director of screening, encouraged women to take advantage of screenings, stating: “We’d encourage everyone to attend breast screening when invited – getting your screening sorted can help provide reassurance if you are concerned, and attending could help save your life.” Source: CNN
