Breast cancer disparities and their drivers in the United States

Breast cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women in the United States and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Despite advances in treatment, significant disparities persist in breast cancer outcomes across racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups. This review aims to provide an updated examination of these disparities, focusing on differences in incidence, mortality, screening, and treatment. Data from SEER and other national databases show that while Non-Hispanic White women have the highest incidence rates, Black women experience a 36% higher mortality rate. Contributing factors include poor access to high-quality care, socioeconomic barriers, and biological differences, such as a higher prevalence of aggressive breast cancer subtypes like triple-negative breast cancer in Black women. Differences in screening rates further exacerbate these outcomes, with minority women being less likely to receive timely mammograms and appropriate follow-up care. Disparities are perpetuated further by systemic barriers, including healthcare access, structural inequalities, and implicit biases in patient-provider relationships. In addressing these issues, the paper proposes strategies such as improving access to early screening, enhancing clinical training to address racial bias, and implementing policies to improve healthcare infrastructure for underserved populations. By emphasizing the need for equitable access to care and targeted interventions, this review provides a comprehensive framework for reducing breast cancer disparities and improving outcomes for minority women in the U.S.