The data tells a disturbing story. In the U.S., the mortality rate for non-Hispanic Black women with breast cancer is 40% higher than for non-Hispanic white women.1 And, while clinical trials help improve outcomes and survival, Black people represent only 3% to 6% of patients in all cancer clinical trials.2
How can we ensure Black people are better represented in cancer research? Finding the answer starts with patient voices.
Building on a 2019 project conducted by Marina Kaplan, an epidemiologist who lived with metastatic breast cancer, BECOME is a new research initiative designed to find solutions within the Black community. Using real-life patient input, BECOME looks for practical and actionable ways to make it easier for Black people living with MBC to take part in research trials. Your survey responses will help patients make more knowledgeable decisions, educate doctors on how to support patients in joining trials, and help researchers understand and design clinical trials in a way that encourages Black participation.
ABOUT THE PROJECT
In memoriam: Marina Kaplan, 1962-2020
In 2019, epidemiologist and patient advocate, Marina Pomare Kaplan, presented a poster at SABCS on increasing participation in clinical trials: patient-driven solutions. Only 8.87% of survey respondents were Black, reflecting the current rate of Black clinical trial participation of about 6.2%.
Today, patient advocate Stephanie Walker and a diverse project team are carrying on Marina’s desire to conduct deeper research in the Black community on barriers to clinical trial participation by partnering with MBCA to launch the BECOME project. This patient-focused initiative reflects our belief that what impacts one, impacts all.
COVID-19’s impact and the success of Black Lives Matter makes now the right time for collaborative solutions. BECOME will help our members better educate patients and clinicians, and impact clinical trial design and recruitment to increase participation and representation of Black patients with MBC.
READ THE EXECUTIVE SUMMARY OF THE REPORT
The survey data analysis focused primarily on the responses from Black participants, consistent with BECOME’s objectives. Black and non-Black respondents were compared, and the most meaningful differences are included in this summary.
READ THE FULL RESEARCH REPORT
JUST RELEASED! You can now read the entire BECOME research report which includes more information on the project, including the methodology and a deeper dive into the survey results.
VIEW THE RESEARCH POSTER PRESENTED AT ASCO 2022
REPRESENTATION IN RESEARCH MATTERS.
YOU CAN HELP.
“As a metastatic breast cancer patient, I don’t want my daughter to go through what I’ve experienced. I want to understand barriers to clinical trials for the Black community, so we can find answers on why Black men and women with MBC are dying at a faster rate.”
Stephanie Walker, BECOME Project Lead &
Patient Advocate Living with MBC
BECOME SUBCOMMITTEE
(hover over or click on individual photos for identification)
