Examining breast cancer disparities in African Americans with suggestions for policy

Breast cancer is a commonly diagnosed malignancy and the second leading cause of cancer-related death among American women today. The literature suggests that African American Women (AAW) are more likely to die from the disease each year compared to their White counterparts. A biological basis for this disparity exists—early age of onset, more advanced stage of the disease, more aggressive histological changes, and worse survival. Even though mechanisms underlying these disparities are poorly understood, recent studies suggest that the poorer breast cancer outcome observed in AAW may, in part, result from underlying molecular factors. The present review was undertaken to investigate if AAW do, in fact, develop a more aggressive form of breast cancer compared to other racial groups based on molecular level differences and social determinants. This review also addresses health policy changes that may be implemented to aid in eliminating this disparity.