Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women in America, with about 1 in 8 women developing the disease in their lifetime. While various treatment options are available, the side effects can be particularly severe for Black women, who experience disproportionately higher rates of neuropathy. For years, this disparity remained a medical mystery, but a groundbreaking new study may finally offer answers.
Women undergoing chemotherapy are at risk of developing neuropathy, a nerve condition that causes pain, numbness, and muscle weakness. Black women are especially vulnerable, experiencing higher rates and more severe cases of neuropathy compared to other groups. Neuropathy can begin as early as after two sessions and even months after the treatment is finished. Researchers report that 68% of patients experience neuropathy in the first month after chemo, decreasing to 60% at three months and 30% at six months.
Sasha Wright experienced these challenges firsthand when she was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer at just 31 years old. The mother of two found herself struggling with daily tasks most people take for granted. “I couldn’t feel my fingertips or my toes. So when I would try to braid my baby’s hair or button up my kids’ clothes, I couldn’t. I had no feeling whatsoever.”
In a study presented at the 2024 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), researchers revealed of the 249 Black women participants, 70% had genetic markers that put them at higher risk for neuropathy. While the genetic difference put the women at a higher risk, it seemingly did not influence whether someone would develop the painful side effect. Further investigation revealed the Black women who were administered the chemo drug docetaxel experienced less neuropathy than those who received paclitaxel. While the study suggests docetaxel may lower neuropathy risk in Black women, the drug carries its own potential drawbacks—including mouth sores, a decrease in white blood cell count, and damaged ovaries.
The relationship between chemotherapy and neuropathy sheds light on the complexity of cancer treatment. It also underscores the difficult trade-offs Black women face in pursuing effective care while managing its risks. For survivors like Wright, these findings highlight the importance of personalized treatment. They also emphasize the need for greater provider awareness of racial disparities in cancer care.
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