Breast Cancer Survival among African-Americans Living in the Midwest: Disparities and Recommendations to Decrease Mortality

Jackie Hill, Shinobu Watanabe-Galloway, Valerie Shostrom, Phyllis Nsiah-Kumi

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

6 Scopus citations

Abstract

Socioeconomic status is highly correlated with breast cancer risk and outcomes. Omaha, Nebraska has the third highest African-American poverty rate of the 100 largest U.S. metropolitan areas. Access to healthcare is a major issue in this community. This study analyzed the state cancer registry data to establish a baseline for breast cancer survivorship among African-American women in Nebraska. Specifically, the study examined the 5-year survivorship difference between African-American women and White women and the factors associated with poor survival. It was found that the 5-year survival rate for African-American women was 43% compared to 75% for White women and that this disparity persisted after taking into consideration the staging differences. The multivariable analysis results indicated that in addition to being African-American, increasing age, late-stage diagnosis, and lower socioeconomic status were factors independently associated with reduced survival in this sample. Because of the younger age at diagnosis among African-American women, we recommend that health promotion and educational programs be directed toward younger women. A significantly larger proportion of African-Americans being diagnosed at a late stage also underscores the importance of education of women of all ages. Future research should examine quality and timing of treatment as well as comorbidity issues affecting African-American women.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)8-14
Number of pages7
JournalJournal of National Black Nurses' Association : JNBNA
Volume26
Issue number1
StatePublished - Jul 1 2015

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Breast Cancer Survival among African-Americans Living in the Midwest: Disparities and Recommendations to Decrease Mortality'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this