Black women are more than twice as likely as white women to receive a diagnosis of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC).

Mortality rates for TNBC are also higher among Black women than among white women with the same diagnosis.

Researchers believe that a number of factors, including both biological and social factors, contribute to the higher rates of TNBC among Black women and their less positive outlook.

The use of binary terms such as “male” and “female” or “men” and “women” in this article reflects the language of the sources we’ve used. Unless otherwise noted, it’s unclear whether the research we reference included participants with expansive gender identities.

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2024 research mentions that Black women are twice as likely to receive a diagnosis of TNBC than white women, as well as having a one-third higher risk of dying from the condition.

However, research suggests that the prevalence of TNBC among Black women varies based on socioeconomic factors and treatment variables.

A 2022 study found that breast cancer mortality rates are 40% higher for Black women than for white women in the US, with possible factors including:

  • genetics
  • health behaviors
  • social structures
  • income
  • insurance
  • treatment

Researchers believe that a combination of factors contributes to the increased risk of TNBC among Black women.

Tumor biology

In a 2024 analysis, researchers noted that there were genetic differences between Black women and white women with TNBC. They found that Black women had higher rates of certain gene mutations than their white peers.

Information from a 2022 study states that Black women are more likely to have the TP53 gene mutations than non-Hispanic white women.

TP53 is the most commonly mutated gene in breast cancer. When functioning normally, the TP53 gene acts as a tumor suppressor and stops cells from growing out of control. When it mutates, the TP53 gene can cause cells to replicate rapidly.

Obesity

Obesity raises the risk of several cancers. In the U.S., obesity disproportionately affects Black women.

Recent data suggest that Black women in the U.S. are twice as likely to experience obesity than non-Hispanic white women.

A number of social factors likely contribute to the development of obesity and can, in turn, lead to the development of TNBC. These include:

  • income disparity
  • lack of access to a variety of nutritious foods, such as fresh vegetables
  • lack of exercise
  • high intake of inexpensive foods that are high in calories

Social factors

Numerous social factors may play a role in the high rates of TNBC in Black women. These include:

  • poverty
  • unsafe neighborhoods
  • lack of access to healthcare
  • social stress

A growing body of research suggests that women with a lower socioeconomic status are more likely to receive a diagnosis of breast cancer in the later stages. Compared with white women, Black women are more likely to live in lower socioeconomic neighborhoods and to have either public or no health insurance.

Problems with social inequality and unsafe neighborhoods may lead to higher rates of obesity among Black women, which is a risk factor for a number of cancers, including TNBC.

Research suggests that Black women have higher mortality rates from breast cancer than white women.

Researchers found that Black women with TNBC were more likely to die than white women who received the same diagnosis.

Black women are more likely to receive a diagnosis at a later stage of the disease than their white counterparts. They also have the lowest rates of survival for any stage of diagnosis.

Numerous studies have indicated that both treatment and outcomes for Black women differ significantly from the experience of white women across all forms of breast cancer.

Several factors may contribute to the disparity in care and treatment of Black women with breast cancer. These include:

  • systemic racism
  • communication issues with healthcare professionals
  • less likely to receive the appropriate standard of care
  • difficulties with travel to access care
  • financial struggles
  • difficulties taking time off work

There are various reasons why TNBC is more common in black women, including:

  • social factors disparities in income
  • barriers to healthcare
  • systematic racism
  • differences in treatment, environments, and financial struggles

TNBC is an aggressive cancer than can be less responsive to the typical breast cancer treatments, spreads quickly, and has a less favorable outlook than many other types.

There is no diet in particular for those with TNBC, but a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, and whole grains is always best for those experiencing breast cancer.

All people deserve to receive a high standard of care to give them the best possible outlook. The standard of care for TNBC includes surgery, chemotherapy, and, in some cases, radiation therapy.

Although Black women may have an increased risk of TNBC, getting started on the right treatment can lead to the best possible outcomes. Anyone unhappy about the response they get from a healthcare professional should consider seeking a second opinion, if possible.