Exploring how neighborhood factors affect breast cancer outcomes in Black and White women

Neighborhood redlining, economic deprivation, and the breast tumor epigenome: bridging social and molecular epidemiology to address the Black-White breast cancer mortality disparity

NIH-funded research Emory University · NIH-10688327

This study is looking at how things like unfair housing practices and economic struggles in your neighborhood might affect breast cancer outcomes, especially for certain types of tumors, and it’s for Black and White women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer in the Atlanta area.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionEmory University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Atlanta, United States)
Project IDNIH-10688327 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the impact of neighborhood redlining and economic deprivation on breast cancer outcomes, particularly focusing on estrogen receptor-positive tumors. By examining the epigenome of breast tumors, the study aims to uncover how social stressors related to discriminatory housing policies may influence cancer prognosis. The research will recruit Black and White postmenopausal women diagnosed with breast cancer in metro-Atlanta, utilizing data from the Georgia Cancer Registry to analyze their residential and economic histories. This innovative approach seeks to bridge social and molecular epidemiology to better understand and address disparities in breast cancer mortality.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are postmenopausal Black and White women diagnosed with estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer stages I-III.

Not a fit: Patients with breast cancer who are not postmenopausal or do not have estrogen receptor-positive tumors may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and interventions that reduce breast cancer mortality disparities between Black and White women.

How similar studies have performed: While this specific approach is novel, previous research has shown that social determinants of health can significantly impact cancer outcomes, indicating potential for success.

Where this research is happening

Atlanta, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.