…this to be true. Some participants in the study echoed Johnson’s thoughts. One participant commented on the need to “be honest about the bad history surrounding their past ‘participation’ in research to dispel the myths, be honest about the truths, and explain the differences.”
In addition to this history that might prevent participation, another study reviewed factors that influence African-Americans participation in cancer clinical trials. That study confirmed that part of the challenge is the lack of knowledge about these trials. When clinical trials are run out of major academic hospitals and not in the community, awareness is only one challenge. The financial burden of traveling, missing work and finding childcare in order to participate may limit who can become involved.
Dr. Karen Winkfield, a radiation oncologist and former chair of the health disparities committee for the American Society of Clinical Oncology, adds that physician bias can play a role in underrepresentation of breast cancer research. She has studied perceptions of cancer and clinical trials in the black community and some women have shared that, “if they were asked, they would consider participation.” If physicians are not asking black women, then this is another hindrance to participation.
But even if African-American women are approached to enroll and are willing to participate, Dr. Winkfield laments that, “comorbidities like obesity, diabetes, and hypertension may restrict access to clinical trials.”
Dr. Winkfield says that what she appreciates about the MBC Project is that “it does not make a difference who you are, where you come from, or what your health issues are, you can participate.”
MBC’s Approach to Inclusion
The MBC Project is taking a different approach. The project’s direct-to-patient strategy allows researchers to…