Contact: Judi Terzotis, Word in Black  
Judi.Terzotis@wordinblack.com

A new national study from Word In Black’s Insights & Research Division finds that fear, gaps in trust, and lack of communication about genetic testing with health care providers, rather than access alone, are significant barriers preventing Black women from receiving lifesaving breast cancer screening.

The study, “Understanding Breast Cancer Beliefs, Concerns and Knowledge in Black Women,” began with a simple but powerful question: “If you could speak freely, what would you say to your doctor about breast health?”

One participant responded:

Please listen to your African American patients and believe their concerns and symptoms. Breast cancer does not wait until you are a certain age to invade you.

Her sentiment was echoed by hundreds of others. Based on a nationwide survey of nearly 1,000 Black women, the research revealed several critical findings:

  • Fear is the leading barrier: Nearly 60% of respondents said fear or anxiety prevents them from getting mammograms.
  • Genetic testing is rarely discussed: 74% reported that a provider has never talked to them about genetic counseling or genetic testing.
  • Knowledge gaps persist: Only 6% identified obesity or physical inactivity as risk factors for breast cancer.
  • Messaging can motivate action: Risk-reduction messaging generated the strongest intent to schedule a mammogram, outperforming community-protection and testimonial approaches by roughly 10 percentage points.
  • Trust remains fragile: More than one-third of participants expressed distrust in the health care system due to experiences of dismissal and bias.

Why This Matters

Black women experience higher breast cancer mortality rates despite lower overall incidence compared to white women. The study shows that improving outcomes requires more than awareness campaigns or increased access. It requires directly addressing fear, strengthening trust, and improving how health care providers listen to and communicate with Black women.

“This research makes clear that Black women are asking for more guidance,” said Christa T. Mahlobo, Ph.D., lead author of the study. “If we want to save lives, we must confront fear, close knowledge gaps, and change how the healthcare system engages with Black women about breast health.”

Interview Opportunity

Dr. Mahlobo is available for interviews, podcasts, radio, television, and panel discussions. She can speak on:

  • Biggest barriers to mammogram screening in our sample
  • What Black women want doctors to understand about breast cancer
  • Our finding that fear, not cost, is the biggest barrier to screening
  • The gap in genetic counseling and testing
  • How public health messaging can better motivate preventive care

About the Study

This research was supported by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation. Additionally, this research was made possible by a grant from the Commonwealth Fund – a nonprofit health care research foundation dedicated to promoting an equitable healthcare system for everyone. 

Word In Black Insights & Research Division

Word In Black was launched in 2020 in the aftermath of the murder of George Floyd, in partnership with 10 of the nation’s legendary Black publishers and the Local Media Foundation. In 2025, the organization launched the WIB Insights & Research Division.

The division delivers authentic, data‑driven insights about Black America grounded in perspectives shared directly by people in the communities we serve. Through trusted publishing partners and deep community relationships, we execute large-scale quantitative and qualitative research initiatives and turn data into narratives that inform storytelling, strategy, and solutions. Led by scholars and practitioners committed to Black community flourishing, our work empowers, informs, and drives positive impact.

The full report is available at: Understanding Breast Cancer Risks, Concerns, and Barriers to Screening in Black Women