Understanding metastatic breast cancer in black women; risks, disparities, and hope
What is breast cancer?
Breast cancer is a disease in which abnormal cells in the breast grow and invade healthy cells. Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer found in women in the U.S. While many women with early-stage breast cancer are successfully treated, approximately 1 in 10 are diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer (MBC), and 20 percent to 30 percent of those initially diagnosed with early- stage breast cancer may experience progression to MBC.
What is metastatic breast cancer?
MBC, also known as late-stage breast cancer, is when breast cancer spreads to other parts of the body, like the bones, liver, lungs, brain, or skin. In the U.S., about 168,000 women are living with MBC today.
Why are black women at higher risk?
Scientists believe black women face a higher risk of MBC due to a combination of biological, socioeconomic, and healthcare-related factors:
• Later diagnoses – Black women are often diagnosed at later stages, reducing the chances of early intervention and making cancer harder to treat. • Treatment Disparities – Some black women are less likely to receive the same medical care or treatments and access to clinical trials. • More aggressive cancers – Certain types of breast cancer common in black women do not respond as well to treatments.
There are treatments for MBC that can help control the disease and improve quality of life. Thanks to research, there are more treatments available, and more women are living longer with MBC by managing it like a longterm illness. The American Cancer Society recommends that cancer survivors:
• Eat less meat and more fruits and vegetables • Get regular exercise • Do strength training at least twice a week
The ‘Every Day Counts’ Study
This study looks at how lifestyle changes affect the health and well-being of women with MBC. The program meets you where you are and includes:
•16 sessions with a personal coach • Personalized exercise sessions • A Fitbit to track activity • Resistance bands • Cooking demonstrations
To evaluate the program, women are compensated to complete surveys, a fitness assessment, measurements of muscle and fat, and blood draw. The study is led by Dr. Melinda Stolley of the Medical College of Wisconsin and Dr. Patricia Sheean at Loyola University Chicago and is available in the Milwaukee and Chicago areas.
Women in the program say:
• “I feel like I’m helping other women with MBC by being part of this study.” • “This program helped me exercise safely, and now I feel stronger and less tired.”
If you want to learn more, call 414-955-2114 or email at edc.mcw.edu.
