September 2024 is National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.
Ovarian cancer often goes undetected due to the lack of symptoms, making early treatment challenging. In the United States, nearly 20,000 new cases and over 14,000 deaths from ovarian cancer occur each year.
While ovarian cancer is more prevalent in white women, Black women have significantly lower survival rates. Research indicates that disparities in access to recommended treatments contribute to this discrepancy.
Disparities in access worsen Black women’s outcomes
Research by Holly Harris, MPH, ScD, sheds light on why Black women face poorer ovarian cancer outcomes and survival rates. Disparities in care, particularly in access to guideline-recommended treatments, contribute to the issue.
Social determinants of health worsen ovarian cancer outcomes for Black women
Socioeconomic factors and limited access to healthcare are contributing factors to the disparities faced by Black women with ovarian cancer. Addressing these social determinants of health is crucial for improving outcomes.
Structural racism may affect ovarian cancer outcomes
Racism, both at an individual and structural level, can impact the healthcare received by Black women with ovarian cancer. Overcoming racial biases in the healthcare system is essential for improving outcomes.
How Black women can seek better treatment for ovarian cancer
Empowering Black women to advocate for themselves, seek care from specialized cancer centers, find culturally competent healthcare providers, consider clinical trials, and join support networks can enhance their chances of survival from ovarian cancer.
This educational resource was created with support from Merck.
