A groundbreaking research initiative, backed by a $1.58 million grant from Gilead Sciences, Inc., aims to unravel the underlying causes of breast cancer disparities affecting Black women in the Mid-South region.
Led by health communication expert Dr. Janeane Anderson and medical oncologist Dr. Gregory Vidal, the study intends to delve into sociocultural and structural factors contributing to these disparities, as reported by UTHSC News.
Dr. Anderson, an assistant professor and social scientist at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center’s College of Nursing, highlighted the urgency of the research given concerning statistics.
“In the South, Black women encounter delays, access barriers, and undue burdens across every stage of the cancer care continuum,” Dr. Anderson remarked.
Recent data from the American Cancer Society underscores the severity of the issue, revealing a 40% higher breast cancer mortality rate among Black women compared to their white counterparts.
Arkansas and Mississippi, both situated in the Mid-South, rank among the top 10 states nationwide for overall cancer rates.
The qualitative study will involve three key groups: Black women diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer, those at high risk of breast disease, and healthcare providers across the Mid-South.
The research framework integrates the Socio-Ecological Model and Critical Race Theory to comprehensively analyze contributing factors.
Dr. Vidal spoke about the potential impact of the study, stating:
“This research represents a substantial qualitative evaluation of how social, economic, and health-related factors influence cancer outcomes in the Mid-South.”
By exploring the multifaceted factors influencing outcome disparities, the researchers aim to uncover actionable insights to address this critical health disparity.
The study builds upon Dr. Anderson’s prior research, which focused on the impact of patient-clinician communication on health outcomes for Black adults.
Scheduled to commence on July 1, the three-year project will recruit participants from various clinic sites spanning Arkansas, Tennessee, and Mississippi.
