Healthcare and Clinical Professionals Urged to Increase Women of Color Representation in Clinical Trials

Lawndale News Chicago's Bilingual Newspaper - Health

Women of color are severely underrepresented in clinical trials, missing out on potentially lifesaving treatment. This could also potentially lead to less inclusive and definitive research findings. As a result, For The Breast of Us – an online community dedicated to women of color affected by breast cancer – and Sommer Consulting – a consulting firm that engages in qualitative and quantitative research with patients and healthcare professionals – urge healthcare and clinical professional to modify how they have historically engaged with women of color on clinical trial opportunities. The two organizations recently conducted a nationwide research initiative to understand the experiences of women in healthcare and uncover solutions to increase women of color representation in clinical trials. This study uncovered four major barriers that prevent women of color from participating in breast cancer clinical trials: simple logistics, lack of access to quality healthcare systems, fear and misunderstanding, and distrust in the U.S. healthcare system. Throughout the study, participants continued to reiterate these four barriers. Healthcare and clinical professionals have a responsibility to remove these barriers for women of color. The organizations are now moving onto the second phase of their study. Participants are still needed to further this important research. The two organizations are recruiting for additional survey respondents across various demographics. Those interested may apply here: breastofus.com/ctsurvey.

Lawndale News Chicago's Bilingual Newspaper - Health

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