Black women have poor breast cancer outcomes and higher mortality rates, most likely due to ethnic differences in access to health care rather than genetics.

This is the meaning of a new Pennsylvania medical study. These findings contradict the previous small study, which found that black women have a higher genetic risk of breast cancer.

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania found no significant difference in risk in a study of nearly 30,000 patients—5.65% of black women and 5.06% of white women had genetic mutations that increase the risk of breast cancer.

Black women are more likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer before the age of 50 than white women. They are also more likely to be diagnosed with estrogen receptor negative and triple negative cancers, A more aggressive form No response to hormone therapy.

Whether these differences are due to genetic differences—and how many races should be considered in genetic testing strategies—is unclear.

New research shows that race should not be an independent factor when considering genetic testing. Say Dr. Susan Domchek, Executive Director of the BRCA Basel Center, University of Pennsylvania.

“We should not change the testing guidelines based solely on race,” Domchek said. “Instead, our efforts should focus on ensuring equal access and acceptance of testing to minimize differences in care and outcomes.”

Researchers say that black women are much less likely to receive genetic counseling and testing, mainly due to different doctors’ recommendations or access to care.

Domchek said that there are many reasons for racial differences in breast cancer genetic testing. Voice of Philadelphia in a Previous interview.

First of all, many doctors do not recommend it. Even so, black patients are unlikely to be tested. Domcek said the reasons are complex, but the social determinants of health will definitely play a role.

Last year, the Basel Center launched the Black & BRCA program to increase access to genetic counseling and testing in the local black community. It also seeks to resolve myths and educate healthcare providers.

If mutations occur, the most common genes associated with breast cancer are BRCA1, BRCA2, and PALB2. These genes usually support the normal production of breast cells and prevent the growth of any cancer cells. But when they mutate and pass from generation to generation, they no longer function normally, and the risk of breast cancer increases.

Women with genetic mutations related to breast cancer can reduce their risk in the following ways Regular screenings Early detection of cancer is more likely to be cured. They can also undergo mastectomy or take preventive medications, such as tamoxifen.

But if there is no genetic test, women will not know whether they have the gene, and their family members will not know to be tested. This may result in delayed diagnosis after the cancer has spread and is more difficult to treat.

“At a time when black men and women are more likely to be diagnosed with cancer at an advanced stage and difficult to treat, Black & BRCA strives to let people understand their family health history and take action to prevent cancer for a generation. Next,” Domchek Say.

The research was published in American Medical Association Oncology, Seven population-based studies from the CARRIERS consortium, which consists of 17 large-scale American epidemiological breast cancer studies.it Including 3,946 black and 25,287 non-Hispanic white women.

The researchers measured the prevalence of germline pathogenic variants in 12 genes known to increase breast cancer risk.In addition to finding that race has no significant effect on risk, the researchers also foundYoung and ER-negative breast cancer are risk factors for the BRACA1, BRCA2, and PALB2 genes in black and white women.