Research

We collaborate with researchers to understand why Black women face earlier diagnoses, later stages, and higher mortality rates from breast cancer. Using this data, we create interventions to address barriers and improve outcomes for Black women.

Current research partnerships and collaborations

Current Projects

  • Implementing Cascade Risk Assessment in Black Families Affected by Breast Cancer
    Principal Investigator – Dr. Tarah Ballinger, IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center
  • Patient Navigation to Improve Cascade Genetic Testing for Hereditary Cancer Syndromes in Black Patients and Their Family Members
    Principal Investigator – Dr. Nawal Kassem, IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center
  • Food For Thought: Study of Food and Brain Health in Women Being Treated for Triple Negative Breast Cancer
    Principal Investigator – Dr. Tonya Orchard, Ohio State University
  • THRIVE NOW: "Testing Health Related Interventions: Voices of Equity Needed to Overcome Weight Bias in Obesity-Cancer Care"
    Principal Investigators – Dr. Shelley Johns, Dr. Misty Hawkins
    Read More

Concluded Projects – Published Reports

Study / Report Title Principal Investigator & Affiliation Publication Details & Link
ECOG-ACRIN EAZ171 – Prospective Validation Trial of Germline Predictors of Taxane-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy in Black Women With Early-Stage Breast Cancer As a result of this study, in January 2025 for the first time in history the National Comprehensive Cancer Network published a race-based chemotherapy treatment guideline. Dr. Bryan Schneider
IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center		 Journal of Clinical Oncology
May 2024
View Study
"How is it going to help?": Exploring Black breast cancer patients' questions about biomarker testing to predict chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy Dr. Katharine Head
Indiana University Indianapolis		 Elsevier/PEC Innovation
December 2023
View Study
Challenges Experienced by Black Women with Breast Cancer During Active Treatment: Relationship to Treatment Adherence Dr. Silvia Bigatti
IU Fairbanks School of Public Health		 Journal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities
February 2023
View Study

Learn About Other Local and National Research Projects and Clinical Trials

Indiana Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute Susan G. Komen Tissue Bank Breast Cancer Clinical Trials Black Women's Health Study Sisters Study

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Life is so much better when you have a strong support system, like minded women and resources to aid in your journey.