Despite gains in the treatment of breast cancer over the past 25 years, African American women continue to lag behind White American women in measures of health outcomes. They experience lower breast cancer incidence rates than White American women, but higher mortality rates. African American women present with stage IV cancers at a rate of 6.5%, while White American women present at a rate of 3.6%. In view of persistent challenges facing African American women with cancer, and the public health issues facing health care providers, a review of the literature was conducted. The purposes of this review were to: 1) analyze research addressing the health of African American women with breast cancer, 2) determine the state of the science regarding African American women and breast cancer, and 3) demonstrate the importance of addressing disparities that exist between African American and White American women with breast cancer. Medline, CINAHL and CancerLit databases were searched. Key words used were "African American women," "Black American women," and "breast cancer." Articles reviewed cover the period 1990-1999. A total of 69 qualitative and quantitative articles were analyzed, with sample sizes ranging from n=7 to n=3,187,116. In conclusion, the literatures revealed African American women present at an earlier age, later stage, and have a poorer prognosis than White American women. Forty-eight per cent of the studies reviewed were retrospective. Also noted were a limited number of quantitative studies and limited studies of quality data from which to draw epidemiological conclusions.
Learning Objectives: At the end of this presentation participants: 1) will be able to describe at least three research studies which address breast cancer in African American women, 2) describe the strengths and weaknesses of reviewed studies and African American women and breast cancer, 3) identify at least three important factors to consider when addressing disparities that exist between African American and White American women and breast cancer.
Keywords: Breast Cancer, Ethnic Minorities
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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