The health disparities faced by Black American women are stark and troubling, particularly in cancer mortality rates. Research highlights that this demographic experiences a higher risk of dying from various forms of cancer compared to women of other races. While some may attribute these disparities to factors such as lack of access to healthcare and educational inequalities, a deeper examination reveals more complex underlying issues.
Dr. Shana Ntiri, an associate professor for Family and Community Medicine at the University of Maryland, Baltimore, emphasizes that the conversation goes beyond general statistics. “I worked with a young physician who lost her life to cancer. It’s something unique about us, that even when we’re married or educated, still the outcomes look the same,” she explained. This observation underscores the importance of understanding individual stories rather than relying solely on broad generalizations.
Dr. Ntiri is involved in the VOICES of Black Women project, a significant initiative by the American Cancer Society aimed at surveying 100,000 Black women aged 25 to 55 who have not been diagnosed with cancer. The purpose of this research is to gather vital information about their health experiences and increase awareness surrounding the factors that contribute to their health outcomes.
Despite widespread acknowledgment of the need to listen to Black women, evidence suggests that their concerns are often dismissed in medical settings. A recent paper titled “Misogynoir In Medicine,” published by Georgetown University’s O’Neill Institute, reveals that many Black women have reported being disbelieved regarding their medical histories and symptoms.
“There really is something in the anecdotal that we need to find out. The information from us can be for us. There’s strength in numbers,” Dr. Ntiri remarked, stressing the collective narratives that resonate across diverse backgrounds. The VOICES survey, which takes approximately one hour to complete, covers not only standard health history but also delves into personal experiences of bias, racism, and other sensitive topics.
These issues reach beyond cancer, affecting overall healthcare experiences. The story of Shalon Irving, a CDC epidemiologist who passed away shortly after childbirth due to ignored complaints about her symptoms, illustrates a severe consequence of these biases. Similarly, tennis star Serena Williams has shared her near-fatal experience after childbirth, where her pleas regarding her pre-existing medical condition were disregarded.
Dr. Lauren McCullough, a co-principal investigator of the VOICES project, has a personal stake in combating the challenges facing Black women in healthcare. An urgent visit to the emergency room due to severe pain ended in a fortunate outcome, as she managed to connect with colleagues who quickly intervened. “If I didn’t have privilege and position, I wouldn’t be here,” she reflected, emphasizing the disparate treatment often faced by marginalized individuals when seeking medical assistance.
Through her experience, Dr. McCullough recognized that being a Black woman can lead to a lack of prioritization within healthcare systems. “Historically, marginalized people don’t have people in their network who can move you to the top of the list,” she stated, revealing the structural inequities that can jeopardize health outcomes.
Personal narratives play a crucial role in moving the conversation forward. Dr. Tonya Webb, also involved with the VOICES project, reflected on her own medical journey, noting how advocacy could have improved her experience during a challenging medical procedure. Her perspective is compounded by a familial legacy of cancer survivorship, as her mother battles the disease due to advances in medical research.
“I want that for other people, too,” she shared, highlighting the vital importance of continued research and advocacy for better health outcomes for Black women. The medical community has historically perpetuated harmful stereotypes, such as the belief that Black individuals feel less pain, which can critically inhibit proper treatment.
Dr. Webb noted, “Hearing these stories can open eyes to different processes,” indicating the need for more comprehensive understanding and empathy in medical practice.
The VOICES project encourages participation from Black women, emphasizing that there is value in shared experiences. “Let’s talk about the science, making sure that our voices are heard. We have to tell these stories together,” Dr. Ntiri concluded, reinforcing a call to action for collective engagement in addressing health disparities.
