Ethnicity and breast cancer risk.

Does my ethnicity affect my breast cancer risk?  

Ethnicity significantly influences breast cancer risk, stage of diagnosis and outcomes. Addressing these disparities requires focused efforts in diagnosis and prevention across diverse communities.

How breast cancer can differ by ethnicity.

While breast cancer is more common in white women in the UK, a review of NHS Digital cancer data by Cancer Research UK highlights significant and troubling disparities in diagnosis and outcomes for women from Black and South Asian backgrounds. The findings warned that inequalities in cancer care could widen.  

• Black women: Black Caribbean and African women are up to twice as likely to be diagnosed with late-stage, high-grade breast cancer compared to white women.  
• South Asian women: Women of South Asian descent, including those from Indian, Bangladeshi, and Pakistani backgrounds, have a higher chance of being diagnosed with late-stage breast cancers. 

Why do disparities in awareness and screening exist? 

These differences highlight an urgent need to address health inequalities. Later diagnoses and more aggressive cancer types mean some groups face worse survival rates, despite overall improvements in breast cancer care. The reasons for these differences are complex and multifaceted. Understanding these disparities is the first step toward addressing them. 

Lifestyle and reproductive factors.

In the UK, breast cancer is diagnosed more often in white women than in Black Caribbean or Black African women. Researchers believe this difference is linked to a mix of lifestyle and reproductive factors, including: 

• Breastfeeding – more common in Black women, which can help to reduce risk. 
• Family size – having more children, and at a younger age, also reduces risk. 
• Alcohol use – lower consumption helps to reduce breast cancer risk. 

Reduced awareness.

A survey by Cancer Research UK found that women from ethnic minority backgrounds were more likely to report they didn’t know the symptoms of cancer compared to white women (23% vs 12%).   

When asked what would delay them speaking to a medical professional about their health, ethnic minority women reported feeling less confident talking about their symptoms than white women. Less recognition of breast cancer symptoms and risk factors can delay seeking help.  

We encourage everyone to take action to reduce their risk of breast cancer, for example, having a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight, doing plenty of exercises, reducing alcohol consumption and avoiding potentially harmful chemicals.

Lower screening attendance.

Compared to other groups, minority ethnic women have disproportionately lower attendance at breast screening appointments, which are crucial for early detection. Research points to a mix of practical, cultural, and systemic barriers, including: 

• Lack of awareness - some women may not know they are eligible for screening or may be less familiar with the importance. 
• Cultural beliefs and stigma - concerns about cancer, privacy, or modesty can discourage attendance. 
• Language barriers - difficulty understanding letters or information about screening can prevent engagement. 
• Trust in healthcare - past negative experiences or lack of culturally sensitive care may reduce confidence. 
• Practical challenges - work commitments, childcare responsibilities, or difficulties travelling to screening centres can make it harder to attend. 

Steps toward equality in risk and outcomes. 

There are a number of steps being taken, and still needed, to reduce inequalities in breast cancer risk and outcomes. The overall goal is to ensure that all women, regardless of ethnicity or background, have equal access to prevention, early diagnosis, and the best possible care and outcomes. 

• Improving awareness and education 
• Increasing screening uptake 
• Tackling socioeconomic barriers 
• Culturally competent healthcare 
• Prevention support 
• Community partnerships 

What is Breast Cancer UK doing? 

We are committed to working towards a world where everyone, regardless of their background, has the information and support needed to reduce their risk or get an early diagnosis. To achieve this, we:

• Work with organisations trusted in ethnic minority communities to shape communications around breast cancer education and awareness. 
• Create information in easily digestible and varying formats. 
• Promote the Prevention Quiz and other tools for accessible ways to understand your risk. 

We continue to reach out to organisations that work closely with people from mixed backgrounds so we can develop our communications to engage and help everyone start their breast cancer prevention journey.   

Any organisations wishing to get in touch and help develop communications to engage ethnic minorities, please contact us. We are always looking for ways to make our messaging digestible to anyone who reads it and ultimately help everyone prevent breast cancer and reduce their risk.