Health equity research just received a solid boost from global breast cancer organization Susan G. Komen, which released a cutting-edge report highlighting major disparities that continue to exist in cancer health, while also sharing updates on Komen’s ongoing research poised to enhance equity in this space.
Komen’s “Stand for H.E.R. – A Health Equity Revolution Breast Cancer Impact Report” details results of its model, designed to be scalable and disproportionately focused on underrepresented and marginalized populations that suffer from inequities in breast cancer. The organization’s longtime research and related work to enhance health equity have included approximately $140 million in more than three hundred research grants. Komen’s research also has comprised almost two hundred clinical trials designed to address health disparities in the manifestation, incidence, treatment and outcomes with respect to breast cancer among minority populations.
The organization also spearheaded the Advocates in Science program to train diverse patient advocates to engage in breast cancer research as a means of tackling the historical problems associated with a lack of diverse representation in research.
Komen’s research emphasis comes at a critical time in the cancer health space, as black women in the U.S. are approximately 40% more likely than their white counterparts to die of breast cancer. Research also has established that black women are more likely than white women to be diagnosed with more aggressive forms of cancer.
You can learn more about Komen’s work in narrowing the cancer health equity gap for minority populations here.
