As a new study this week rekindles debate about the value of annual mammograms, there is one group of women who must be screened regularly: Breast cancer survivors.
Breast cancer survivors are at a much higher risk of their cancer recurring. Black women are especially vulnerable. According to a City of Hope ongoing study, a shocking 15 percent of African American breast cancer survivors are not receiving regular mammograms.
Kimlin Tam Ashing, Ph.D., director of the Center of Community Alliance for Research and Education at City of Hope, leads research efforts to address the disparity in cancer mortality among different minority groups. Half of African-American men and a third of African-American women will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetimes. The causes of cancer health disparities are complex, stemming from such factors as genetic susceptibility, stress and immune function, and family history.
Dr. Ashing is available to discuss these disparities and efforts underway to address them, especially those affecting black women with breast cancer.
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