March 11, 2025 Story by: Editor
When Kwaku Ayisi lost a close friend to breast cancer before the age of 40, it prompted him to investigate the challenges Black women encounter within Saskatchewan’s breast-health system.
As a researcher at the University of Regina, Ayisi observed significantly higher breast cancer mortality rates among Black women and sought to understand the reasons behind this disparity.
His findings revealed that Black women tend to develop breast cancer at a younger age, are more susceptible to aggressive forms of the disease, and face a higher mortality rate.
In addition to biological factors, Ayisi identified several systemic obstacles, including language barriers, cultural beliefs, and limited awareness about breast cancer.
Disproportionate Impact
According to the Canadian Cancer Society, a recent study found that Black women in Canada are more likely to receive a breast cancer diagnosis at a younger age, at more advanced stages, and with triple-negative breast cancer—a particularly aggressive type that is harder to treat and linked to poorer outcomes.
Similarly, data from the American Cancer Society indicates that although breast cancer rates are comparable between Black and white women, the mortality rate among Black women is approximately 40% higher.
“Among women under 50, the disparity is even greater: While young women have a higher incidence of aggressive cancers, young Black women have double the mortality rate of young white women,” the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) states on its website.
BCRF further notes that while technological advancements have helped reduce overall breast cancer mortality, the benefits have not been equally distributed.
“Through continued research, it’s clear that biology also plays a role,” the organization states.
Lowering the Screening Age
Saskatchewan is gradually reducing the age at which women can access breast cancer screening without requiring specific concerns.
The province recently announced plans to lower the screening mammogram age limit from 50 to 40 in stages. Currently, women aged 47 and older can book a screening mammogram without a doctor’s referral. The minimum age will decrease to 45 in June and continue to lower over time.
Saskatchewan’s Ministry of Health stated that race is not a factor in determining eligibility for breast cancer screening in the province. Instead, it follows national guidelines from the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care.
“It currently recommends women aged 50-74 should be screened regularly and women aged 40-50 should be provided information about the benefits and harms of screening to make a personal screening decision that aligns with their risks, values, and preferences,” the ministry said in a statement.
The ministry also noted that mammogram wait times vary across Saskatchewan and advised that anyone experiencing symptoms or concerns about breast cancer should consult a doctor for screening, regardless of age. It welcomed further research and stated that it would “take into account any findings of interest in future policy considerations.”
Advocating for Race-Based Data and Awareness
Ayisi believes that race and ethnicity should be included in breast cancer data analysis to inform policies in Saskatchewan.
He also advocates for increased education about breast cancer, emphasizing how it disproportionately affects Black women and the importance of early screening. He hopes that greater awareness will encourage more Black women to undergo mammograms.
The Importance of Early Detection
Sonia Reid, a vocal coach in Saskatchewan, recently experienced a personal cancer scare.
“I am an individual who benefits from the screening and is actively being screened as we speak because we have some concerns,” said Reid.
She stressed the critical role of early detection.
“I love hearing the stories of, ‘oh, we caught it early enough.’ That’s what I want to hear,” she said. “I don’t want to hear, ‘I didn’t know until it’s too late,'” she added.
Reid commended Ayisi’s research, stating that it plays a crucial role in supporting Black women like herself.
“The access, and knowledge it would bring, and how that would just bring people’s mental health and their sense of wellness on a day-to-day basis to a higher level,” she said.
“When you’re walking through life and obscurity, not knowing, maybe you’re not feeling well, maybe something seems off, but you’re not sure of what to do. That’s not the place you want to be.”
Source: CBC News
