Disparities in delayed diagnosis and pain management among African American women with breast cancer.

Abstract

102 Background: Breast Cancer (BC) mortality rates disproportionately affect African American (AA) women over other racial or ethnic group in the United States. Research demonstrates AA women also have disparate rates of an accurate diagnosis and pain management care. Methods: This study addressed barriers to care in diagnosis and pain management care experienced by members of a non-profit organization called the Tigerlily Foundation (TLF), a breast cancer advocacy organization, who design culturally relevant educational materials to support medically underserved populations. This qualitative study interviewed AA women in an IRB-approved study (University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign). The total duration of each interview lasted a maximum of 1 hour and 45 minutes with participants answering one pre-interview questionnaire for demographic purposes and completing one interview. Results: Among 20 AA women breast cancer survivors, it was discovered participants 90% were delayed, dismissed, and denied screening options to detect their breast cancer diagnosis as early as possible. After several months of displaying anomalies within their breasts (i.e., lump, swelling, pain, nipple discharge), participants had to negotiate with their PCPs to finally get a mammogram, ultrasound, and biopsy. 70% of participants described radiation as excruciating pain. Pain management varied as 10% of participants were offered access to a wound care specialist and received adequate medication to cope with the pain, while 90% of participants received nothing. Those who did not receive assistance tried homeopathic solutions for pain management. Conclusions: Notable differences among AA women breast cancer survivors demonstrated the need for healthcare institutions to review potentially racially bias policies harming this demographic of patients. Future studies among AA populations with disparate breast cancer diagnosis and pain management are needed to improve health outcomes.