For instance, white women are most likely to get it, but black women are most likely to die of it. And although lower screening rates can account for some of the difference, experts also point out that the healthcare system doesn t seem to serve minority women as well.
Experts point to several possible explanations.
There are some individual factors. There are some societal factors. Cultural differences Cultural beliefs often shape women s willingness to do self-exams and get screenings. Some women come from cultures that consider it inappropriate for women to touch or look at their own breasts, said Sandra Millon Underwood, PhD, RN, FAAN, a professor at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee School of Nursing who researches cancer prevention in relation to minority populations. Fatalistic attitudes play a part, too.