Breast Cancer and Its Unequal Burden

Breast cancer affects women across the country, but not everyone has the same chance of early detection, high-quality treatment, or long-term survival. These differences are shaped by race, income, neighborhood resources, and access to healthcare.

Understanding these disparities is an essential step toward creating programs that support all women, not only those with strong insurance or nearby medical facilities (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2024).

How Race and Income Influence Outcomes

Black women are slightly less likely than White women to be diagnosed with breast cancer yet  are about 40 percent more likely to die from it (Breast Cancer Research Foundation, 2024). Many factors contribute to this pattern. Black women are more likely to develop aggressive subtypes such as triple negative breast cancer, and they are also more likely to face delays in screening or treatment.

Women with lower income may struggle to take time off work, find transportation, or afford copays for screening appointments. These challenges can lead to later diagnosis and poorer outcomes. Hispanic women and immigrant communities may face language barriers, fewer local clinics, and concerns about medical mistrust that impact when and how they seek care (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2024).

The Importance of Accessible Screening

Artwork by Shea Davis

Early detection is one of the most reliable ways to reduce breast cancer deaths, but access to screenings varies widely. Women with consistent insurance coverage tend to follow screening guidelines, while women who lack coverage often wait until symptoms appear. This delay increases the risk of finding the cancer at an advanced stage (American Cancer Society, 2024).

Mobile mammography units have helped reduce some of these gaps. By bringing screening directly into underserved neighborhoods, these programs allow women to receive mammograms close to home and connect with follow-up services if needed (National Cancer Institute, 2025).

Awareness Does Not Reach Everyone

Breast cancer awareness campaigns, especially during October, have encouraged millions of women to learn about screening and share their stories. However, this messaging often centers on middle-income White women with regular access to care. Groups at higher risk, such as Black women, transgender people, and uninsured women, may not see themselves represented in these campaigns or may lack access to the services promoted by them (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2024)Awareness alone cannot solve issues related to transportation, insurance, fear of medical settings, or the financial pressures women face during treatment.

Artwork by Shea Davis

Closing the Gap

Creating equity in breast cancer care requires structural support. Community clinics, patient navigators, language-accessible education, and programs that reduce out-of-pocket costs play a major role in improving outcomes. Partnerships between hospitals and community organizations can help women schedule appointments, understand test results, manage insurance paperwork, and find help for child care or transportation during treatment (National Cancer Institute, 2025).

A Fairer Future for Every Woman

Breast cancer should not be more deadly simply because of a woman’s race, zip code, income, or background. When screening access improves and treatment becomes more inclusive, more women survive. The path forward depends on early detection, stronger community resources, and health systems that meet women where they are. With these efforts, awareness can lead to real change and every woman can receive the care she deserves.

References

American Cancer Society. (2024). Breast Cancer Facts & Figures 2024–2025. Atlanta, 

GA:American Cancer Society.

Breast Cancer Research Foundation. (2024). Understanding Breast Cancer Biology and 

Treatment.Retrieved from https://www.bcrf.org

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Breast Cancer Awareness. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/features/breast-cancer.html

National Cancer Institute. (2025). Advances in Breast Cancer Research. Retrieved from

https://www.cancer.gov