Black women are 41% more likely to die from breast cancer than White women according to the American Cancer Society. That staggering statistic is the driving force behind the Breast Cancer Gaps Project, which aims to address the disparities in breast cancer preventive care and treatment for Black women and women of color.

Diagnosing the disparity

The differences in breast cancer death rates reflect very different healthcare experiences for Black women. Fewer cancers in general are diagnosed at an early stage – only 57% in Black women compared with 67% in White women – and Black women often do not have the same access to high-quality treatment as White women.

Fear, lack of urgency, and an absence of good information surfaced as the most common barriers that were keeping women of color from getting preventive breast cancer care and breast cancer treatment, according to a survey of Black women and health care providers conducted by the Breast Cancer Gaps Project. These barriers can lead to a delayed breast cancer diagnosis at a more advanced stage of the disease.

Knowledge is power

To address the barriers identified, the Breast Cancer Gaps Project created a video series to educate, relieve anxiety, and dispel any falsehoods that may be circulating about mammograms. “Having as much information as possible before getting screened helps decrease fear,” says Lashonda Soma, medical director, Regions Breast Health Center and member of the Breast Cancer Gaps Project. “Not getting screened can cost someone their life.”

Breast Health: The Basics
What is normal when it comes to breast pain, discharge, and lumps? This video provides more information on what is considered to be normal for most women and when it may be a good idea to get screened by a professional.

Mammograms: What to Expect
For those who have never been screened before, this video provides a step-by-step guide detailing exactly what happens at a mammogram appointment to remove any fear of the unknown that women may be feeling prior to getting screened.

Myth Busting Mammograms
Misinformation can create fear and keep women from getting screened. This video addresses myths that may be circulating about mammograms to ensure women have accurate information about screenings.

From the community, for the community

The lived experience of Black women is central to the work of Breast Cancer Gaps Project and informs their work at all levels. The Breast Cancer Gaps Project uses a community co-design model, a participatory method where community members are equal collaborators in the design process – to develop solutions that reduce racial inequities in breast cancer rates. The process brings together community members, leaders from breast cancer clinics, radiology clinics, public health officials, breast cancer screening programs, nonprofit organizations, and businesses, to increase access to preventive care and breast cancer treatment for Black women.

Read more about how the Breast Cancer Gaps Project works to address racial inequalities in breast cancer.

Learn more

Many Blue Cross plans cover an annual preventive mammogram at 100% when ordered by an in-network doctor. For more detail on what your plan covers, call the customer service number on the back of your member ID card.

Information about preventive care services for women can be found here.
Breast Cancer Gaps Project
American Cancer Society