Black women and breast cancer: A review of the literature

OBJECTIVES: Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer among women in the United States and black women bear a larger burden from this disease when compared to white women. They experience a lower incidence yet their death rate is higher. Despite these facts, survival for both black and white women is improving but what are missing from the literature are descriptions of black women experiences from a broader perspective. METHODS: This paper reviews the literature on black women with breast cancer from a broad, multidimensional perspective. RESULTS: Five dimensions, physical, psychological, social, economic, and spiritual and existential, form the guiding framework of the paper. CONCLUSIONS: The knowledge gained from this literature review can focus research, enhance education and improve nursing and health care to the increasingly culturally diverse patient populations found in the United States, making the care that is provided culturally proficient.