Women of African or South Asian ancestry develop breast cancer and face poorer outcomes at younger ages compared to women of European descent, according to a new study by Queen Mary University of London. Published in Nature Communications, the research analyzed data from over 7,000 women and underscores the urgent need for inclusive research and personalized screening guidelines to address these disparities.
The study examined clinical and genetic data from women of African, South Asian, and European ancestry, sourced from initiatives like the Breast Cancer Now Biobank and the 100,000 Genomes Project. Key findings revealed stark differences: South Asian women were diagnosed nearly seven years earlier and died 13 years younger, while African ancestry women were diagnosed five years earlier and died nine years younger than their European counterparts.
Researchers also identified variations in breast cancer-linked genes (e.g., BRCA), which could influence treatment efficacy. Some mutations rendered cancers resistant to certain therapies, yet this critical information was often overlooked in clinical decisions.
Professor Claude Chelala, lead author, emphasized, “Precision medicine must work for everyone, or it risks widening health inequalities.” The study highlights the underrepresentation of non-European populations in genetic research, which currently skews 80% toward European ancestry despite their minority global share (16%).
“If we fail to address blind spots in research, we risk widening health inequalities rather than reducing them,” said Professor Chelala. Patient advocate Balwinder Nanray added, “With cancer, one size does not fit all. Collaborating with patients ensures research meets diverse needs.”
The findings advocate for revised NHS screening guidelines and more inclusive research designs to ensure equitable advances in cancer care. Larger, diverse cohorts are needed to validate these results and drive tailored interventions for underrepresented groups.
Add comment