• 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
  • Find A Doctor
  • BDO TV
Home / Health Conditions / Breast Cancer / Breast Cancer: Underrepresentation in Clinical Trials is Leaving Black Women Behind

Breast Cancer: Underrepresentation in Clinical Trials is Leaving Black Women Behind

In the realm of chronic or severe conditions, clinical trials can be a sign of hope for patients. However, what happens when a certain group or groups are underrepresented in them? This is the case for Black women who are severely underrepresented in these studies.

While Black Americans represent 13% of the total US population, they only make up 5% of clinical trials. Although this may seem innocent at first, it has tremendous implications for Black women patients. Leaving Black women out not only blocks a possibility of treatment, but stunts research into why certain diseases vary in how they affect different populations.

For breast cancer, underrepresentation prevents us from answering the question of why Black women are less likely to to develop the disease but also more likely to die from it. If you are a Black woman living with advanced breast cancer, consider doing your research on available clinical trials and talk to your doctor about exploring them.

While every trial and medical team is different, there are common causes as to why Black women are often left out of clinical trials. The first reason may be the feelings of the patient. A cancer diagnosis can lead to feelings of isolation, anxiety, fear, and shame.

You May Also Like
15 Natural Remedies for Aches and Pains

This can lead to decision paralysis on what the patient should do and what treatments they can seek. While the traditional course of treatment may be well explained, clinical trials may not be fully discussed by your healthcare provider.

Leverage support groups as not only a way to find community, but also a resource to talk to others about their experience with clinical trials.

Ask them what factors they considered and any benefits or risks that were presented to them. Accompany this with your own research in order to be prepared to have a discussion with your doctor and make an informed decision. 

Another barrier is just lack of knowledge and accessibility. A common obstacle of clinical trials is making them accessible to everyone. Trials typically happen during work hours and in hospitals or clinics. This can make it hard for those who are low-income or work full-time as they cannot come in the middle of the day to participate in the trial.

You May Also Like
Bacon and other meats May Increase Your Risk for This Lung Disease
Continue Reading

The Latest In Breast Cancer

cancer recurrence

Cancer in Youth Means Heightened Odds for Another Cancer Later

Survivors of teen and young-adult cancers may feel they've dodged a bullet, but they're not totally in the clear. A new study reveals a high risk of developing and dying from new cancers later on. These young people require close read more about Cancer in Youth Means Heightened Odds for Another Cancer Later
mastectomy

What’s More Effective Lumpectomy or Mastectomy?

Breast cancers that arise before age 40 tend to be more aggressive. But young women who undergo "breast-conserving" surgery are just as likely to survive as those who have a mastectomy, a preliminary study finds. Hormonal therapy affects survival rates read more about What’s More Effective Lumpectomy or Mastectomy?
mammograms

Can False-Positive Mammograms Be Avoided?

Mammograms have proven to be successful in detecting breast cancer early for many women. In fact, it can be crucial in saving the lives of Black women, who are 40 percent more likely to die from breast cancer than white read more about Can False-Positive Mammograms Be Avoided?
inflammatory breast cancer

Breast Cancer Survivor to Black Women Facing Obstacles: “Don’t Give Up”

For most people, it is completely normal to have one breast that is larger than the other. However, for Katrece Nolen, it was a cause for concern. She made the discovery while she was crawling on the floor with her read more about Breast Cancer Survivor to Black Women Facing Obstacles: “Don’t Give Up”
breast cancer

4 Amazing Hairstyle Ideas For Breast Cancer Survivors

Just because you are living with breast cancer, that doesn’t mean that you have to look like it. You may experience a lot of physical, mental and emotional stress when living with breast cancer, but trust and believe, this doesn’t read more about 4 Amazing Hairstyle Ideas For Breast Cancer Survivors
Breast Cancer

Recommended for a Breast Biopsy? Here’s What to Expect

A breast biopsy is a procedure in which a doctor removes a small amount of tissue or fluid from your breast in order to examine it under a microscope for signs of cancer. Your doctor will usually recommend a biopsy read more about Recommended for a Breast Biopsy? Here’s What to Expect

Primary Sidebar

Subscribe to our newsletter

Poll

Popular Posts

  • The McGhee Sextuplets: A Family Built On LoveThe McGhee Sextuplets: A Family Built On Love
  • Top 3 Mistakes Cooking Salmon (You Should Never Make Again)Top 3 Mistakes Cooking Salmon (You Should Never Make Again)
  • Reality Star Hospitalized After Major Car Accident: “Unresponsive, But Stable”Reality Star Hospitalized After Major Car Accident: "Unresponsive, But Stable"
  • Aleisha Allen: From Actress to Speech PathologistAleisha Allen: From Actress to Speech Pathologist
  • Black Don’t Crack: Mother Of 3 Photo Goes ViralBlack Don't Crack: Mother Of 3 Photo Goes Viral

Podcast

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

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

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 © 2022, BlackDoctor, Inc. All rights reserved.