Health Disparity

The disproportionate COVID-19 infection and death rates among minority populations is a stark reminder of overall health disparity. Health disparity is a symptom of much bigger problems: poverty, racism, historical trauma… Breast cancer outcome disparity is right up there with so many others. There is very little difference in the incidence rates of breast cancer between races (incidence is the number per a certain number of people in the population- usually 100,000) but, according to the National Institute of Health, Black women are 42% more likely to die from breast cancer than White women. That’s insane. While the Black Lives Matter movement is focusing on police brutality, we need to look at a much broader picture. Police brutality is only a small piece. Your zip code should not dictate your life expectancy, but it does. The color of your skin should not dictate your life expectancy, but it does. Your insurance coverage should not dictate your life expectance, but it does. One of the stories in my book is about a woman with breast cancer in Tanzania and highlights the disparity in treatment options between the U.S. and Tanzania. The international picture is important, but we must not neglect the disparity that exists in our own country. I am working with the Breast Cancer Education Alliance to spread awareness and am donating much of my book proceeds to a local organization that helps low income breast cancer patients as well as an international organization. What are you doing to decrease disparity? If each of us takes on a tiny piece, we can make a difference. Maybe your contribution isn’t directly related to breast cancer-maybe you are more interested in the environment- every little bit makes a difference. Be active. Share your efforts- it will inspire others.