Breast Cancer

Black Women Have Higher Death Rates from Breast Cancer Than Other Women

November 2012

40,000

Nearly 40,000 women die of breast cancer each year in the US.

40%

Nearly 40,000 women die of breast cancer each year in the US.

1,800

Nearly 1,800 fewer black women would die of breast cancer if death rates were the same as white women.

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths among women in the United States (2005-2009). Breast cancer deaths are going down the fastest among white women compared to women of other races and ethnicities. Black women have the highest death rates of all racial and ethnic groups and are 40% more likely to die of breast cancer than white women. The reasons for this difference result from many factors including having more aggressive cancers and fewer social and economic resources. To improve this disparity, black women need more timely follow-up and improved access to high-quality treatment.