Understanding Challenges to Breast Cancer Screening for African American Women in Detroit: A Study of Social and Healthcare Inequities

African American (AA) women have lower adherence to breast cancer screening guidelines, which may contribute to delayed diagnoses and reduced survival rates. These disparities are often influenced by limited access to quality healthcare and persistent inequities faced within Michigan. With Detroit's population being 77% AA, examining studies focused on the experiences of Black women within urban healthcare networks is essential to understanding the connections between demographic, socioeconomic factors, and breast cancer outcomes. To assess these studies, a literature search was conducted using Ovid Medline yielding 24 associated articles. Mammogram rates among AA women in Detroit remain low, reflecting a complex web of socioeconomic, environmental, and healthcare barriers rooted in both historical and ongoing systemic issues. Low SES limits access to preventative care services, leading to delayed diagnosis and worse health outcomes even with Medicare/Medicaid coverage. The historical discrimination of AA in healthcare has also fostered greater apprehension towards these patients seeking preventative services. Differences in lived experiences contribute largely to lower quality care. Studies suggest that physicians with high implicit bias often conduct shorter visits and are less engaged with AA patients. This can extend to decisions regarding preventative care, as AA often receive less referrals for genetic and critical screenings than other races. This initial review highlights research gaps in how health disparities impact breast cancer screening, treatment adherence, and survival rates among Black women. In the next research phase, is the exploration of attitudes toward mammogram screening in Southeastern Michigan.