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April is National Minority Health Month, a time to focus on the health challenges faced by underserved communities, especially when it comes to breast cancer. While breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women in the U.S., the burden falls unequally across populations. Black women are 38% more likely to die from breast cancer than white women, despite similar incidence rates. Women from minority and low-income backgrounds often face significant barriers to screening and treatment, leading to delayed diagnoses and worse outcomes. The American Breast Cancer Foundation (ABCF) is committed to raising awareness about these challenges and driving meaningful action to make breast cancer care accessible for all women.

Why Breast Cancer Disparities Exist

Studies show that Black and Hispanic women are more likely than White women to experience delays in breast cancer treatment, which can significantly impact survival rates. These delays stem from multiple interconnected factors:

Healthcare Access Barriers:

• Insurance gaps: 11.2% of Hispanic women and 10.7% of Black women lack health insurance, compared to 6.2% of white women 
• Provider shortages: Different sociodemographic groups, especially racial and ethnic minorities, are less likely to receive timely breast cancer diagnostic services after an abnormal screening mammogram.
• Transportation challenges: One study that examined the distance that women diagnosed with breast cancer traveled for radiation therapy found that women in rural areas traveled nearly 3 times as far as women in urban areas (40.8 miles vs. 15.4 miles, respectively). 

Communication and Cultural Barriers:

• Language differences between patients and providers can lead to misunderstandings about treatment options
• Cultural beliefs and mistrust of medical institutions may delay seeking care
• Lack of diverse representation among healthcare providers contributes to communication challenges

Financial Pressures:

• A new report by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) found that over 70% of commercially-insured patients encountered out-of-pocket expenses for follow-up breast cancer diagnostic tests in 2023. These follow-up tests, such as a diagnostic mammogram, MRI, ultrasound or biopsy, are medically recommended next steps to determine if an individual may or may not have cancer; however, barriers like cost can keep people from getting them.
• Loss of income during treatment creates additional financial strain
• Costs of childcare and transportation to appointments create hidden expenses

How Social and Economic Factors Affect Breast Cancer Care

Health experts have found that where you live can have a big impact on your health. Dr. Robert Winn, director of VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center, calls this your “ZNA”—your zip code or neighborhood of association. This means that the resources and conditions in your neighborhood, like access to hospitals, fresh food, and safe places to exercise, can influence your health just as much as genetics. 

Women who live in low-income or rural communities may struggle to find transportation to medical appointments or face long wait times for screenings and follow-ups. Limited access to healthy food and safe spaces for exercise increases the risk of obesity and other health issues linked to breast cancer. Financial strain from high living costs and low wages can also force women to choose between paying for rent, food, or medical care. Stress from these challenges can weaken the body’s ability to fight off disease and respond to treatment.

Barriers to Breast Cancer Treatment

A comprehensive study found that women who rely on public hospitals and community health centers often face significant delays in diagnosis and treatment initiation.

Safety-net hospitals, which treat patients regardless of their ability to pay, may not have enough staff or equipment to handle the demand. Without access to regular mammograms, many women don’t find out they have breast cancer until it’s in a more advanced stage, making treatment more difficult and less effective. Even when women have insurance, it may not cover important treatments like chemotherapy or radiation. These gaps in care mean that underserved women often have worse outcomes compared to women who have better access to healthcare.

Turning Awareness into Action

Raising awareness about breast cancer disparities is an important first step, but real change comes from collective action. As Dr. Winn emphasizes, “We need multi-level interventions that address both healthcare system barriers and social determinants of health”.

Expanding access to screenings, improving insurance coverage, and making patient support services more available are critical steps toward ensuring that all women receive the care they need.

This National Minority Health Month, ABCF remains committed to closing the gap in breast cancer care. Every woman, no matter her race, income level, or location, deserves access to quality breast cancer treatment and support. By working together, we can make that a reality.

How You Can Help

• Donate: Support ABCF’s financial assistance programs for underserved women.
• Advocate: Share ABCF resources with your community health center. 
• Spread awareness: Follow and share ABCF’s social media content about screening recommendations and resources.