Specifically, health disparities refer to health variances of different groups of people. In most cases, health disparities occur based on race, age, sexual orientation, religions, and gender, among others. For example, research suggests that black women have a relatively higher number of deaths from breast cancer than women from other racial groups (Breast Cancer Action, 2013). Generally, about 40,000 women succumb to breast cancer and related complications annually. Over 40% of black women that are diagnosed with the disease condition are more likely to die of the condition than white women. On the other hand, nearly 1800 fewer back women would succumb to the condition if the death rates were similar (Breast Cancer Action, 2013).
Ideally, this health disparity emanates from varied factors including limited economic and social resources and more aggressive cancer strains. Limited socioeconomic resources prevent black women from utilising the available healthcare facilities, which leads to subpar care. The subpar treatment may be in the form of inadequate treatment, overtreatment, or incorrect treatment. Furthermore, the disparity may be linked to the fact that black women often receive follow up treatment later than white women (Breast Cancer Action, 2013). Specifically, most black women do not go for prompt follow-ups after screening while white women often go for prompt follow-ups after the mammogram sessions. Finally, research studies indicate that black women have different treatment experiences, especially when compared to their white counterparts. It is often recommended that individuals that test positive for breast cancer should commence treatment immediately. However, about 60% of black women seek medical advice and treatment within 30 days compared to 85% of white women (Breast Cancer Action, 2013).
Some of the approaches that can be employed to address this disparity include improved access to reliable and quality treatment and extensive health education. Specifically, the various elements of the Affordable Care Act should be implemented and women from all racial groups should be educated about the coverage options that the law provides (Breast Cancer Action, 2013).
References
Breast Cancer Action. (2013). Disparities in breast cancer: Through the breast cancer-care continuum. Retrieved from <http://bcaction.org/site- content/uploads/2013/11/Disparities-and-Breast-Cancer-Fact-Sheet.pdf>
