Now, two new studies led by Idan Maneshe and his colleagues at the U.S. National Cancer Institute show that even if the instances of ER-negative tumors in black women were the same as the instances among white women, the rate of mortality would only be reduced 10-20 percent. In other words, there would still be a mortality disparity between black and white women. The study also established that overall, black women face a lower breast cancer survival rate than white women.

The studies are significant in discovering more information about the effects of breast cancer in black women as well as how biological and societal factors contribute to the survival rate of victims. Instead of concluding that either genetics or access to proper healthcare and treatment results in a higher morality rate for black women with breast cancer, the studies urge researchers to consider multiple factors. Without considering every aspect of contributions to the racial disparity among breast cancer patients, actual solutions will never be possible.

In the field of science, researchers must continue to examine how different kinds of breast cancer affect different racial groups and work towards achieving a comprehensive set of treatment programs that consider the gap in prognosis. Although breast cancer is less common among black women than white women, black women are more likely to die from the disease, and to die at a younger age. Breast cancer screening processes need to be created that help detect cancer among younger women of color. In the community, it's important that black women in particular are aware of of breast cancer and breast cancer detection. Community outreach institutions in communities of color need to educate on the importance of getting mammograms, clinical breast exams and self-exams. But these solutions won't be effective without fair and equal access to healthcare, breast cancer campaigns that don't ignore women of color, and better medical and educational resources in low-income communities.