$1M donation to help UNC-Chapel Hill research disparities in breast cancer outcomes for Black, white women

Researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill could be a step closer to finding a cure for breast cancer.

The university received a $1 million donation to support research on determining why breast cancer outcomes are different for Black and white women.

The donation from Marilyn Jacobs Preyer and her husband will also help expand a study to include young Black women with breast cancer from 44 counties in North Carolina.

Preyer was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer 22 years ago after finding a lump in her breast.

She said getting care was easy, but that wasn't the case for others.

"It was a gradual realization that we all need to have access for health quality, and it certainly wasn't available for everybody," said Preyer.

Researchers at UNC-Chapel Hill launched the study 28 years ago, focusing on the disparities between Black and white women with breast cancer.

"There is a lot of potential contributions, including the nature of the cancer, the biology of the cancer, as well as social features," explained Dr. Lisa Carey, the deputy director for clinical science at UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Carey said the Preyers' donation will take the study to the next level by adding a group of young Black women recently diagnosed.

"We can start to un-peel why there are these differences and how much is biology and how much is access to care and how much is social features and how much is treatment," said Carey.

Carey added that researchers will be able to hone in on those factors and look at outcomes among Black women with breast cancer.

The goal is not only to find the root cause, but also to find a solution.

"There is so much hope and possibility for people with all stages of breast cancer," said Preyer. "Today is all we can take care of. Let tomorrow take care of itself, and let these fine researchers and talented doctors take care of you."