Disparities in Breast Cancer Mortality and Treatment Underscore the Importance of Testing

“As an Olympian and as a breast cancer survivor, I’ve learned the importance of following my intuition. If you have a family history of cancer, trust your instincts. Get answers for yourself with hereditary cancer screenings and genetic testing.”
Chaunté Lowe, 4-time Olympian, patient advocate, and ambassador

Quest Advanced™ Oncology provides testing, advanced services, and expert physician consultation across the entire cancer care continuum. Our advanced testing solutions include molecular, genetic, and genomic testing for hematopathology and solid tumors; esoteric tests requiring higher-order skill, expertise, and service; and precision medicine, including FDA-cleared and/or approved companion diagnostics. In addition, we provide expert physician consultation by more than 650 MDs and PhDs.

Our advanced oncology services also include a variety of educational opportunities. For National Breast Cancer Awareness month in October, Quest was proud to sponsor Sisters Network Inc.—the nation’s oldest, largest, and only national Black breast cancer survivorship organization in the US—and its first-ever State of Black Breast Cancer Crisis: a National Townhall Virtual Discussion and Call to Action.

The townhall featured comments from medical experts, elected officials, and key national leaders, including congressional representatives and the Reverend Al Sharpton, with moderation by CNN National Correspondent Athena Jones. Participants heard experts and advocates discuss one of the most critical health issues facing Black women.

The mortality rate for Black women with breast cancer is 41% higher than that of their White counterparts¹

Black women under 35 years of age are diagnosed with breast cancer at twice the rate of White women and die at 3 times the rate²

Chaunté Lowe, a 4-time Olympian in track and field, patient advocate, and ambassador, also spoke about this topic with the Oncology team during Quest’s annual Accelerate sales conference. Chaunté discussed her experience as a Black breast cancer survivor and worked with the Oncology team throughout the year to raise awareness of the importance of diagnostic testing during a cancer patient’s journey. Chaunté, who was never offered hereditary cancer screenings as part of her initial breast cancer treatment, is now receiving genetic counseling through Quest.

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_{1. Richardson LC, Henley SJ, Miller JW, et al. Patterns and trends in age-specific black-white differences in breast cancer incidence and mortality – United States, 1999–2014. MMWR. 2016;65:1093–1098. doi:10. 15585/mmwr.mm6540a1}

_{2. Shavers VL, Harlan LC, Stevens JL. Racial/ethnic variation in clinical presentation, treatment, and survival among breast cancer patients under age 35. Cancer. 2003;97(1):134-147. doi:10.1002/cncr.11051}