Breast Cancer Awareness Month: A Neurosurgeon’s Perspective
Every October, we shine a light on breast cancer — a disease that affects millions of women across the globe. But beyond the pink ribbons and awareness walks lies a sobering truth: Black women in the United States are 40% more likely to die from breast cancer than White women, despite having a slightly lower incidence of the disease.
According to the American Cancer Society, this disparity is seen in nearly every state. BreastCancer.org reports that while Black women are diagnosed at a rate about 5% lower than White women, their mortality rate is 38–40% higher. The CDC adds that although the overall death rate among non-Hispanic Black women has decreased over the past two decades, it remains the highest among all racial and ethnic groups.
Why This Matters to Neurosurgeons
As neurosurgeons, we often encounter breast cancer when it has spread beyond the breast — particularly to the brain. Brain metastases from breast cancer can lead to symptoms such as headaches, seizures, weakness, cognitive changes, and vision loss. These neurological complications are not just clinical issues; they are deeply human ones, affecting how a person experiences the world and their relationships.
By the time breast cancer reaches the brain, treatment becomes far more complex and outcomes more uncertain. This is why early detection and equitable access to care are not just oncology priorities — they are neurological ones too. Preventing breast cancer from reaching the brain means saving both lives and quality of life.
Understanding the Disparity
Data show that Black women are more often diagnosed at later stages of breast cancer — with regional or distant disease already present. Factors contributing to this include:
Barriers to consistent screening and mammography access
Delayed follow-up after abnormal results
Systemic inequities in healthcare access and quality
Implicit bias in treatment recommendations and pain management
For Black women under 40, the disparity is even more alarming: mortality is more than double that of White women in the same age group. These are not just numbers — they are lives, families, and communities impacted by preventable inequities.
Our Commitment
At the American Society of Black Neurosurgeons (ASBN), we stand with patients, survivors, and families during Breast Cancer Awareness Month and beyond. Our commitment includes:
Raising awareness about disparities in diagnosis and outcomes
Advocating for equity in screening, imaging, and treatment access
Supporting education and research to improve care across disciplines
How You Can Help
This October, we encourage everyone to:
Remind loved ones to schedule mammograms — early detection saves lives.
Share credible resources that promote health equity and culturally responsive care.
Continue advocating for fair access to preventive and specialty care in all communities.
Together, through awareness, advocacy, and action, we can help close the gap — ensuring every woman, regardless of race or background, has the best possible chance to live a healthy, full life.
