Adeola Adesemowo sensed a change in her health before receiving a diagnosis. Initially subtle yet persistent, she found herself in a clinical setting seeking answers. To her surprise, she had to assert not only that something was wrong but also that her concerns should be taken seriously. The encounter had a profound impact on her.
Living in Calgary, Adesemowo, despite her young age and lack of family history of cancer, had to advocate for a mammogram and further screenings. Ultimately, at 36 years old in 2021, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Alberta Health Services recommends biennial screening mammograms for women aged 45 to 74 without symptoms. However, studies indicate that Black women are often diagnosed with breast cancer at younger ages, falling outside the typical screening intervals.
Heather Campbell, a chemical engineer in Calgary, faced a similar battle. Diagnosed with breast cancer at 44 in 2017, she underwent extensive treatments, including chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation, followed by hormone therapy. Like Adesemowo, Campbell also encountered resistance when requesting a mammogram. She advocates for more culturally sensitive healthcare and the utilization of race-based data to better cater to Black women.
Campbell’s journey highlighted the challenges faced by many Black women in Alberta’s healthcare system. Despite efforts to improve cancer outcomes in the community, these experiences have not yet translated into tangible changes in breast cancer care.
Breast cancer ranks as the most prevalent cancer among Canadian women, with approximately one in eight expected to develop it in their lifetime. However, much of the data informing breast cancer screening guidelines, risk assessments, and treatment protocols lack representation from Black women or consistent collection of race-based information. Research indicates that Black women have a 45% higher likelihood than white women to be diagnosed with breast cancer before age 50, beyond the standard screening age range.
Despite the elevated risks, screening rates among Black women remain low. To address this issue, researchers at the University of Calgary engaged directly with over 100 Black women to understand the barriers they face in accessing breast cancer screening. Mistrust of healthcare providers, discrimination, and a dearth of culturally relevant information were among the obstacles identified.
Community-led initiatives, such as the African Cancer Support Group in Calgary, have emerged as vital in bridging the gap between healthcare systems and Black communities. These organizations provide tailored support, guidance, and education while emphasizing the importance of Black women’s participation in clinical studies to enhance healthcare outcomes.
Moving forward, actionable steps to reduce disparities include culturally tailored outreach programs, unconscious bias training for healthcare providers, policy adjustments to address structural barriers, and the integration of cultural and religious supports in healthcare practices. By combining research with community input, efforts aim to enhance early detection, reduce mortality rates, and guide policy decisions for improved breast cancer care among Black women in Alberta.
