When it comes to breast cancer, knowledge saves lives. Knowledge doesn’t just come from asking questions during doctor’s appointments or medical journals, it also comes from clinical research.
Every treatment available today, from chemotherapy and hormone therapy to newer targeted medicines, exists because people chose to participate in clinical research. Yet for decades, Black women have been underrepresented in many breast cancer clinical trials, even though they continue to experience some of the highest breast cancer mortality rates in the United States.
When research doesn’t adequately reflect the groups of people most affected by a disease, it becomes harder to understand how new therapies perform within specific populations. Building more inclusive research helps strengthen the evidence that guides care today while improving treatment options for future generations.
Every person deserves the opportunity to learn about research, ask questions, and make an informed decision that’s right for them.
Understanding Where Mistrust Comes From
Conversations about clinical trials within the Black community often begin with an important reality regarding trust.
Historical injustices in medical research, combined with ongoing healthcare inequities, have understandably shaped how many Black Americans view the healthcare system. Those experiences should never be dismissed.
At the same time, today’s clinical research operates under ethical standards that were developed to protect participants. Before a clinical trial can begin, it must undergo multiple layers of scientific and ethical review. Participants receive detailed information about the study through an informed consent process, have opportunities to ask questions, and may choose to leave a study at any time for any reason.
Recognizing the past while understanding today’s protections allows people to approach conversations about research with both honesty and confidence.
Why Representation Matters
Breast cancer does not affect every woman in the same way.
Black women are more likely to be diagnosed at younger ages, more likely to experience aggressive forms of breast cancer, and more likely to die from the disease than White women. Researchers continue to study the many factors contributing to these disparities, including differences in tumor biology, access to care, and social determinants of health.
Because these experiences are not identical across populations, it is important that research includes participants who reflect the communities affected by the disease.
When clinical trials include diverse participants, researchers can better understand how potential new treatments perform across different populations. That information helps physicians make treatment recommendations based on evidence that is more representative of the patients they serve.
Representation strengthens science.
What Clinical Trials Really Are
A clinical trial is a carefully designed research study that evaluates ways to prevent, diagnose, or treat a condition.
Some clinical trials compare a potential new treatment with the current standard of care. Others evaluate new combinations of existing therapies, different dosing strategies, or ways to improve quality of life during treatment.
Every study follows a detailed protocol that outlines who may participate, how participants are monitored, and how safety is evaluated throughout the study.
Participation is always voluntary. Every study also has eligibility requirements, meaning not everyone will qualify for every clinical trial.
Common Questions About Clinical Trials
Many people have questions before considering a clinical trial.
Some common questions include:
- What is the purpose of this study?
- What are the possible benefits and risks?
- How often will I need to attend study visits?
- Can I leave the study if I change my mind?
Your healthcare team and the research staff can help answer these questions so you have the information needed to make a decision that aligns with your personal values and treatment goals.
Research Is About Partnership
Researchers rely on participants to help answer important scientific questions. Most participants seek transparency, respect, and clear communication throughout the research process.
This partnership is especially important in breast cancer research, where advances in precision medicine continue to create new opportunities for more personalized care.
For women diagnosed with HR-positive, HER2-negative advanced breast cancer, biomarker testing may identify characteristics such as a PIK3CA mutation, providing information that helps guide conversations about treatment options. In some cases, a healthcare provider may also discuss whether a clinical trial is appropriate based on a person’s individual diagnosis and medical history.
Looking Ahead Together
Improving breast cancer outcomes requires trust, communication, and ensuring that every community has the opportunity to be represented in the research shaping tomorrow’s treatments.
For Black women, participating in research is one of many personal healthcare decisions that deserves thoughtful discussion with trusted healthcare professionals, family members, and loved ones.
The most important first step is asking and understanding what your options are.
Know Your Type. Know Your Options. Talk to Your Doctor About Clinical Trials.
If you have been diagnosed with HR-positive, HER2-negative advanced breast cancer, talk with your healthcare team about biomarker testing, available treatment options, and whether a clinical trial may be appropriate for you. Learn more by visiting Lilly’s clinical trial guide.Â
HR-Positive, HER2-Negative Advanced Breast Cancer
Supported by Lilly
References:
- American Cancer Society. Cancer Facts & Figures for African American/Black People
- NIH National Cancer Institute. Breast Cancer Treatment
- NIH National Cancer Institute. Biomarker Testing for Cancer Treatment
- American Cancer Society. Biomarker and Tumor Marker Tests
- National Cancer Institute. Cancer Clinical Trial Information for Patients and Caregivers
- Green AK, Trivedi N, Hsu JJ, Yu NL, Bach PB, Chimonas S. Despite The FDA’s Five-Year Plan, Black Patients Remain Inadequately Represented In Clinical Trials For Drugs. Health Aff (Millwood). 2022 Mar;41(3):368-374. doi: 10.1377/hlthaff.2021.01432.