Researchers at the Medical University of South Carolina’s Hollings Cancer Center are spearheading efforts to promote genetic testing among Black women, who face higher risks of breast cancer. The initiative aims to address racial health disparities by educating community health workers about the importance of genetic screening.
Caitlin Allen, an assistant professor at MUSC, emphasizes that genetic testing can help prevent disease by identifying predispositions and guiding additional screening and care. The research team has already trained 26 community health workers and plans to expand their reach to 150, potentially extending beyond South Carolina.
Quisha Umemba, CEO of Umemba Health, highlights the value of involving community health workers who bring lived experiences to the table. The program seeks to overcome the reluctance among Black and brown communities to undergo medical testing, often rooted in historical mistrust of healthcare systems.
Karen Jackson, a four-time breast cancer survivor and founder of Sisters Network Inc., stresses the importance of early screening for African American women. She notes, “We are at a higher risk and that’s why we have to be more diligent about taking care of our bodies and getting our tests.”
The researchers aim to bridge the gap between high-risk populations and potentially life-saving genetic information. By encouraging more African American women to participate in genetic testing, they hope to contribute to solving health disparities and improving cancer outcomes in underserved communities.
See “Researchers encourage genetic testing for men and women higher at risk for cancer” (February 1, 2024)
