Anietie Aliu, PhD, discusses how to improve breast cancer screening disparities

In a recent interview with Contemporary OB/GYN, Anietie Aliu, PhD, from the University of Surrey, highlighted a study evaluating racial disparities in breast cancer screening and how these issues might be alleviated.

The study reviewed various research articles to identify barriers that Black women face in accessing breast cancer screening and examined the effectiveness of interventions aimed at improving screening rates. The key barriers identified included concerns about the reliability of test results, fear of false positives and false negatives, and low awareness about breast cancer, particularly among women born outside the United Kingdom. Many of these women did not perceive breast cancer as a personal risk, partly because of lower incidence rates in their countries of origin.

A major factor contributing to low screening rates was fear. Some women viewed breast cancer as treatable, while others perceived it as a death sentence. Additionally, cultural stigmas played a significant role, with concerns that a positive diagnosis could lead to social consequences such as rejection from partners or loss of marriage prospects. Stigma surrounding family history of cancer further deterred participation.

Aliu also highlighted how many Black women reported negative experiences with health care professionals, including perceived poor communication and dismissive attitudes from doctors. Practical constraints, such as inflexible appointment times, busy work schedules, and family responsibilities also made it difficult for many women to attend screenings.

According to Aliu, the clinical significance of the review was the limited research specifically addressing the unique barriers faced by Black women. Although nearly 1,000 articles were initially identified, only 8 specifically included Black women, and many grouped all ethnic minority women together without differentiating their experiences. Additionally, most studies focused on women who were already attending screenings, leaving out the perspectives of those eligible but not participating.

Another major finding was that none of the existing interventions targeted the emotional or psychosocial barriers that Black women face, such as fear and stigma. The study underscores the need for culturally focused research that differentiates between the experiences of Black African and Black Caribbean women, acknowledging their distinct cultural backgrounds. Aliu stated that future research should prioritize inclusive and nuanced approaches to better understand and address these barriers, ultimately improving breast cancer screening rates among Black women.

This video is part 1 of a 2-part series. Check back tomorrow for part 2.

Reference

Critical gaps in research hinder breast cancer screening for Black women. University of Surrey. February 13, 2025. Accessed March 3, 2025. https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1073598