Adeola Adesemowo sensed a change in her health before receiving a diagnosis. Initially subtle but persistent, she sought answers in a clinical setting, expecting to be heard. However, she encountered disbelief and resistance when expressing her concerns. This experience had a profound impact on her.
Living in Calgary, Adesemowo, a young woman with no family history of cancer, had to advocate for herself to undergo a mammogram and additional screenings. Consequently, in 2021 at the age of 36, she was diagnosed with breast cancer.
While Alberta Health Services recommends biennial screening mammograms for women aged 45 to 74 without symptoms, research indicates that Black women tend to be diagnosed with breast cancer at younger ages, often falling outside the standard screening guidelines.
Similarly, Heather Campbell, a chemical engineer from Calgary, faced challenges when seeking a mammogram. She emphasizes the need for culturally informed healthcare and the incorporation of race-based data to better support Black women in the medical system.
During her cancer treatment, Campbell observed a lack of understanding from her healthcare team regarding side effects that manifest differently in Black women. She raised concerns about the impact of breast reconstruction surgery on darker skin tones, prompting her plastic surgeon to adjust their approach and training methods to address this gap in care.
Adesemowo and Campbell’s experiences navigating the healthcare system resonate with many Black women in Alberta, highlighting the need for improved breast cancer care tailored to their unique needs and challenges.
Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer among Canadian women, with about one in eight expected to face this diagnosis in their lifetime. However, existing evidence guiding screening protocols and treatment strategies often overlooks the experiences of Black women, leading to disparities in diagnosis and outcomes.
To address these disparities, researchers at the University of Calgary engaged with over 100 Black women and community stakeholders to identify barriers to accessing breast cancer screening. Mistrust of healthcare providers, discrimination, and a lack of culturally relevant information emerged as significant obstacles, shaped by historical events and personal biases.
Community-led initiatives, such as the African Cancer Support Group in Calgary, play a crucial role in bridging the gap between healthcare systems and Black communities. These grassroots organizations provide support, guidance, and advocacy tailored to the cultural context of Black women, promoting participation in research and improving access to care.
Moving forward, efforts to reduce disparities in breast cancer care among Black women in Alberta must include culturally tailored outreach programs, healthcare provider training on unconscious bias, and policy modifications to address structural barriers. By combining research insights with community input, these initiatives aim to enhance early detection, reduce mortality rates, and guide evidence-based policy decisions.
Adesemowo’s journey from diagnosis to advocacy reflects the resilience and determination of Black women facing systemic challenges in accessing quality healthcare. Through community support and personal advocacy, she empowers other women to prioritize regular health checks and seek support when needed.
Addressing disparities in breast cancer care requires a collaborative approach that prioritizes the voices and experiences of those most affected, ensuring that solutions are inclusive and effective.