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Five months after giving birth to her first child, Little was diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive cancer affecting the lining of the abdomen. The delay in diagnosis had already cost her 18 months of her life when she was just starting as a new mother. Now 39 and a contributor for the Mesothelioma Center at Asbestos.com, Little survived but faced a significant distrust in the medical system.
According to studies, misdiagnoses can lead to serious health consequences. Each year, a misdiagnosed disease kills or disables about 795,000 people in the United States. In a survey of 50 cancer survivors who were misdiagnosed, 92% reported that it hurt their health, 64% had delayed treatment, and 56% said their cancer advanced to a later stage.
Little’s tumor was first identified as a fibroid during her pregnancy ultrasound in 2010. Despite being told by doctors that this type of tumor was common among Black women and would resolve on its own, the tumor continued to grow. Five months after giving birth, she was diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma, an aggressive cancer typically associated with asbestos exposure.
Initially, her symptoms were attributed to pregnancy, but as her anemia worsened, Little sought a second opinion and eventually found a doctor who could perform HIPEC (hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy). Her prognosis was grim, with just 18 months left. However, she managed to survive due to prompt treatment.
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Black women face unique challenges in the medical system. Studies have shown that they are more likely to die from certain cancers despite lower incidence rates compared to White women. For instance, Black women have a 40% higher death rate for breast cancer and a 10% lower 5-year survival rate for cervical cancer.
Racial disparities in health care extend beyond specific diagnoses. The Tuskegee Syphilis Study and forced sterilization of Black women during the 20th century are just two examples of historical malpractice that have eroded trust in the medical system among people of color. In a recent study, 58% of Black women surveyed believed the medical system was “designed to hold Black people back.”
Tamron Little’s experience with misdiagnosis further illustrates these issues. At 21 and pregnant, her tumor was initially labeled as common among Black women and not treated. Five months after giving birth, she was diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma, a rare cancer typically linked to asbestos exposure. Her misdiagnosis delayed treatment, leading her doctor to give her an 18-month prognosis.
Little’s story highlights the broader problem of misdiagnosis in Black women and its impact on their health. She now advocates for better patient care and more rigorous medical practices. “I’ve had doctors say, ‘Black women are known to have lower platelet counts than White women,’ which I won’t accept as an answer,” she explains.
Her experience has made her more cautious about choosing doctors and setting high standards for their care. Little also helps educate her family members who face similar health challenges, ensuring they ask the right questions and advocate for themselves.
These instances underscore the ongoing issue of mistrust in the medical system among Black women, driven by historical malpractices like the Tuskegee Syphilis Study and forced sterilizations. This mistrust can have serious consequences on patient outcomes and overall health care.
📚 Reading Comprehension Quiz
How long after giving birth did Little receive her diagnosis of peritoneal mesothelioma?
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