• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
BlackDoctor.org
Where Wellness & Culture Connect

Where Wellness & Culture Connect

  • Health Conditions
  • Wellness
  • Lifestyle
  • Longevity
  • Resource Centers
    • Cancer Resource Center
    • Covid Resource Center
    • Clinical Trials Resource Center
  • Find A Doctor
  • BDO TV
Home / Health Conditions / Metastatic Breast Cancer / 5 Reasons Black Patients Should Participate in Metastatic Breast Cancer Trials

5 Reasons Black Patients Should Participate in Metastatic Breast Cancer Trials

metastatic breast cancer

Malcolm X once said that “The most disrespected American is the Black Woman. The most vulnerable American is the Black Woman.” Unfortunately, Black Women appear at a disadvantage at almost every turn when it comes to their health. Many issues arise due to socioeconomic conditions, their environment, genetics, and less access to healthcare practices. This often leads to major health issues, including metastatic breast cancer. According to The Black Women’s Health Imperative, Black women experience a 40% higher rate of breast cancer mortality and death than white women. Even worse, younger women are more liable to develop breast cancer before the age of 40.

Fortunately, researchers are working around the clock to find new ways to combat the cancer. However, a recent study showed that clinical trials often leave many Black patients skeptical about the new treatments available. While most Black female patients show a willingness to participate in these test trials, a vast majority of them don’t trust the healthcare system.

RELATED: Should Black Americans Still Be Leary of Clinical Trials?

Why Black Patients Are Rejecting Clinical Trials?

Furthermore, a press conference for the 2022 American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting was held back in May to go over the recent findings of a survey completed involving the matter.

The team conducted the survey on behalf of the BECOME initiative, which aims at understanding why Black patients with metastatic breast cancer were less likely to participate in new treatments than their white counterparts. The test was administered on social media by members of the Metastatic Breast Cancer Alliance.

You May Also Like
13 Signs You Need to See a Dermatologist

Further details reveal that the survey involved 424 patients living with the life-threatening disease. However, only 102 patients identified as Black women.

In the team’s findings, 83% of Black patients with metastatic breast cancer were interested in participating in clinical trials. However, 40% revealed that their care team didn’t inform them of any information before administering the clinical trials.

The fact that a percentage of Black patients had no prior information before participating in the new treatments reveals a glaring issue. One of the biggest reasons why Black patients rejected treatments hinged on the lack of prior information. The survey demonstrated that a vast majority of Black patients voiced their concerns over side effects, effectiveness, logistics, travel and additional costs.

Additionally, patients believed that “unstudied trials” could jeopardize their health. Basically, they wanted to weigh the risks against the benefits before making an informed decision.

You May Also Like
7 Proven Ways to Cure an Upset Stomach

Even worse, Black patients held an overall mistrust of white practitioners and feared that they may not be treated with the same care as others.

It’s no secret that the healthcare system doesn’t have Black America’s best interest in mind. The survey, conducted by the BECOME initiative, found that Black women with metastatic breast cancer were more willing to believe a doctor of the same race.

They responded well to doctors who’ve also had experience with

Continue Reading

The Latest In Metastatic Breast Cancer

metastatic breast cancer

Why Black Women Must Be Super Advocates

Making a difference in someone’s life can truly go a long way. In fact, when it comes to our health, sometimes we could all use a little help from others. Breast cancer survivor Jamil Rivers has impacted other women’s lives read more about Why Black Women Must Be Super Advocates
clinical trials

Metastatic Breast Cancer Survivor Argues That “Clinical Trials Save People’s Lives”

When it comes to understanding our health issues, doing research can go a long way in filling in the gaps. However, some of us have to go the extra mile when it comes to getting answers. North Carolina resident Stephanie read more about Metastatic Breast Cancer Survivor Argues That “Clinical Trials Save People’s Lives”
Roxie Roker

Black History of Health: Roxie Roker

Lenny Kravitz has shared that Johnny Cash held him when he learned of his mother’s death in 1995. He was so pained that he wrote a song about the moment.  It begins as a fairly written love song with Kravitz read more about Black History of Health: Roxie Roker
radiation therapy

A Breastie’s Guide to Navigating Radiation Therapy

If you have breast cancer, you may be weighing your treatment options. One of those options is radiation therapy, but how much do you really know about radiation therapy and is it something you should consider? What is radiation therapy? read more about A Breastie’s Guide to Navigating Radiation Therapy
flaxseed

Why is Flaxseed Healthy?

You may think of flax as a source of fine linens, but the plant's greatest value may well lie in its small, dark seeds. As far back as the 700s, King Charlemagne ordered every loyal Roman to eat flaxseed for read more about Why is Flaxseed Healthy?
what does a breast cancer lump feel like

What Does a Breast Cancer Lump Feel Like?

A breast lump is a tissue growth that appears inside your breast. Finding a lump in your breast can be a scary and worrying experience.  Almost all breast lumps are not harmful. More than 80% of them actually turn out read more about What Does a Breast Cancer Lump Feel Like?

Primary Sidebar

Subscribe to our newsletter

Poll

Popular Posts

  • 10 Signs You’re Living With Clogged Arteries 10 Signs You’re Living With Clogged Arteries
  • Tracee Ellis Ross at 50: Loving Her Body With No FilterTracee Ellis Ross at 50: Loving Her Body With No Filter
  • Like Father, Like Son: ‘Miami Vice’ Star’s Son Handsome Like his DaddyLike Father, Like Son: 'Miami Vice' Star's Son Handsome Like his Daddy
  • Mo’Nique at 55: Slimmer, Happier & Wiser: “I Love Us For Real”Mo'Nique at 55: Slimmer, Happier & Wiser: "I Love Us For Real"
  • The Cast of The Bernie Mac Show: 20+ Years LaterThe Cast of The Bernie Mac Show: 20+ Years Later

Footer

Where Wellness & Culture Connect

BDO is the world’s largest and most comprehensive online health resource specifically targeted to African Americans. BDO understands that the uniqueness of Black culture - our heritage and our traditions - plays a role in our health. BDO gives you access to innovative new approaches to the health information you need in everyday language so you can break through the disparities, gain control and live your life to its fullest.

Connect With Us

Learn More About

  • Hepatitis C
  • Diabetes
  • Sickle Cell
  • Mental Health
  • About Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Advertise With Us
  • BlackDoctor.org Advertising and Sponsorship Policy
  • Daily Vitamina
  • TBH

Copyright © 2023, BlackDoctor, Inc. All rights reserved.