Dr. Jasmine Miller-Kleinhenz, a faculty member at the University of Mississippi Medical Center and Assistant Professor in the Department of Population Health Science and Cell and Molecular Biology, emphasizes that breast cancer isn’t just about genetics. In her insightful discussion, she sheds light on the broader factors affecting breast cancer risk, especially for women of color.
1. Breast cancer isn’t only about genetics.
While genetic mutations like BRCA1 and BRCA2 are linked to breast cancer, only a small percentage of cases are directly caused by inherited genes. According to Dr. Miller-Kleinhenz, where you live and how you live play significant roles in your breast cancer risk. These are known as social determinants of health—factors like access to healthcare, environmental exposures, and lifestyle choices that can greatly impact your health.
2. Life experiences and environment affect your health.
Our bodies don’t operate in isolation. Your environment and life experiences can change how your genes function, a phenomenon known as epigenetics. These changes can explain why some racial and ethnic groups have higher breast cancer rates. Understanding these influences is key to addressing disparities in breast cancer outcomes.
3. Inclusive research is essential.
Most breast cancer research has historically focused on white women. To fully understand how this disease affects all women, including Black and Hispanic women, there must be more diversity in clinical trials and studies. Dr. Miller-Kleinhenz calls for greater representation in breast cancer research so that the solutions developed work for everyone.
4. Knowledge empowers communities.
Dr. Miller-Kleinhenz believes that when communities understand the link between their social determinants of health, genetics, and breast cancer, they can better advocate for themselves. Trust in the healthcare system improves, making individuals more likely to participate in research, ultimately leading to better treatments and prevention methods for everyone.
Breast cancer awareness needs to extend beyond individual risk factors to the environments and systems we live in. With more inclusive research and a broader understanding of health influences, we can fight breast cancer more effectively—for everyone.
