Pioneering Research Aims to Uncover Root Causes of Breast Cancer Disparities
Gilead Sciences, Inc. has awarded a $1.58 million grant to fund a groundbreaking study on breast cancer disparities among Black women in the Mid-South.
The research, led by health communication expert Dr. Janeane Anderson and medical oncologist Dr. Gregory Vidal, will explore sociocultural and structural factors contributing to these disparities.
This extensive qualitative evaluation will focus on how social, economic, and health factors affect cancer patients in the region. The study’s significance is highlighted by alarming statistics from the American Cancer Society. Black women face a 40% higher breast cancer mortality rate compared to their white counterparts.
Dr. Anderson, an assistant professor at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center’s College of Nursing, stated, “In the South, we see delays, access issues, and unnecessary burden at every step of the cancer continuum for Black women.”
Mid-South Region: A Critical Area for Cancer Research
Recent research has identified Arkansas and Mississippi, both located in the Mid-South, among the top 10 states with the highest overall cancer rates nationwide. This revelation underscores the urgent need for targeted research in this region.
The study will involve three distinct groups: Black women with metastatic breast cancer, those at high risk for breast disease, and healthcare providers in the Mid-South. By examining these diverse perspectives, researchers aim to gain a comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing cancer disparities.
Dr. Vidal emphasized the study’s potential impact, noting, “This study would be the most extensive qualitative evaluation of how social, economic, and health factors affect cancer patients in the Mid-South.”
Innovative Research Design: Combining Socio-Ecological Model and Critical Race Theory
The research design incorporates the Socio-Ecological Model and Critical Race Theory to provide a comprehensive framework for analysis. This innovative approach will allow researchers to examine multilevel factors influencing outcome disparities.
By integrating these theoretical perspectives, the study aims to identify actionable insights to address this pressing health issue. The findings could potentially inform future interventions and policies aimed at reducing cancer disparities among Black women.
This new study builds upon Dr. Anderson’s previous work, which has focused on patient-clinician communication and its effects on health outcomes for Black adults.
Three-Year Project Set to Begin July 1
The three-year project is scheduled to commence on July 1. Participants will be recruited from various clinic sites across Arkansas, Tennessee, and Mississippi. This multi-state approach will ensure a diverse and representative sample of the Mid-South region.
As the study progresses, it has the potential to shed light on the complex interplay of factors contributing to cancer disparities.
The findings could pave the way for targeted interventions and improved healthcare strategies for Black women in the Mid-South and beyond.
