[ngg src=”galleries” ids=”1″ display=”basic_slideshow” arrows=”1″ show_thumbnail_link=”0″]It is important to talk about racial inequalities in healthcare as it affects the care received among Black patients. Through our research efforts, we not only want to address the issue of racism but also think about ways to make healthcare more equitable.
A recently published study including our research participants (young women with breast cancer) showed genetic testing for inherited breast cancer happens more often in Whites compared to Blacks which means fewer Black patients can benefit from this information. (Read more about it at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28182268/).
We need to raise awareness about the importance of inherited cancers. We have developed a brochure to raise awareness about the importance of inherited breast cancer in African Americans. It was requested and tested by the community and we have distributed over 25,000 copies across the United States! Check it out at https://inheritedcancer.net/wp-content/uploads/BGREAT-HBOC-Brochure.pdf.
If we are not careful, genomics may widen existing disparities. We don’t want genetic testing to contribute to existing inequalities. ALL populations should benefit from testing. Identifying these issues are only half the battle…we need to do better and figure out ways to narrow existing disparities.