Advancing Science Through Better Representation
When clinical trials don’t reflect real world patients, we risk leaving entire communities behind.
Clinical trial representation refers to ensuring people from different demographic groups—including across race, gender, age, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status—are included and reflected in medical research. By including a range of populations in clinical trials, we can better understand how different people respond to new medicines, expand access to care, and build a healthier future for both current and future generations.
However, Black women remain significantly underrepresented in clinical trials, especially in breast cancer research. They are 40% more likely to die from breast cancer than White women1,2—yet they make up less than 3% of breast cancer clinical trial participants in the US.3 Barriers to participation in clinical trials can include lack of awareness of enrolling studies, mistrust of the healthcare system, anticipated costs, and even practical issues faced by many families such as finding time, transportation, or childcare coverage.
At AstraZeneca, we believe clinical trial populations should, wherever possible, reflect patients that are demographically similar to real-world populations and that every individual deserves equitable access to medical breakthroughs and quality care. We're committed to leveraging data-driven strategies, technologies, and community partnerships that may help increase clinical trial awareness and participation among underserved communities.
But we can’t do it alone—and that’s where you come in. We believe that listening to, joining, and collaborating with the community is critical to forge a better future for all. Partnering with local communities allows us to drive real, lasting change from the ground up and ensure all voices are heard and included in clinical research.
Find Clinical Trials Here:
Center for Information and Study on Clinical Research Participation
HOW YOU CAN HELP
1. Start a conversation with your loved ones and your community—as well as on your social media channels—about why it’s important to:
Participate in clinical trials, including sharing any personal observations, connections, or anecdotes
Advocate for transparent reporting of clinical trial demographics and results
Encourage people to speak with their healthcare providers to learn more about potential eligibility for clinical trials
Support local organizations that lead conversations, provide information, and advocate for policy change around clinical trial representation
2. Talk to your doctor about clinical trials enrolling in your area.
3. Search online for clinical trials in your area. Websites that can be helpful include AstraZeneca Clinical Trials, Clinical Trials.gov, and the Center for Information and Study on Clinical Research Participation.
SAMPLE LANGUAGE TO HELP YOU SPREAD THE WORD
This language can be used to craft messages for your community.
Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among Black women in the US.2
Though Black women have 5% lower breast cancer incidence than their White counterparts, they are 40% more likely to die from breast cancer.1,2
Black women remain significantly underrepresented in many clinical trials. They make up less than 3% of breast cancer clinical trial patients.3
Medical treatments may work differently based on a person’s genetic makeup, lifestyle, and environmental factors. Incorporating representation more reflective of real-world populations can lead to better, safer, and potentially more effective treatments for everyone.
When clinical trials are more reflective of the real-world population, we can gain a better understanding of how different people respond to new medicines, expand access to care, and build a healthier future for everyone.
Participation in clinical trials is often reduced by reasons including lack of awareness of enrolling studies, mistrust of the healthcare system, anticipated costs, and even practical issues such as finding time, transportation, or childcare coverage. Let’s work together to break down those barriers.
SOCIAL MEDIA EXAMPLE POSTS
By sharing your insights and experience with your communities, you can help spread awareness, inspire action, and drive the change our communities need. The most engaging social media posts will be from your own perspective and voice, but we’ve included some sample language to get you started.
Example Posts |
Post Plus-ups |
Instagram/X Option #1: ⚠️Black women are 40% more likely to die from breast cancer than White women1,2—but make up less than 3% of clinical trial participants in the US.3This needs to change. We need research that reflects all of us. Learn how you can help spread the word: [link to AZ page] Option #2: Black women remain significantly underrepresented in clinical trials, especially in breast cancer research. Without clinical trial participation that is reflective of real-world populations, we risk developing new treatments that don’t work for everyone. Learn more here: [Link to resource] Option #3: Breast cancer has affected me personally. By participating in clinical trials, current and future generations can benefit from better public health overall. Help us share more: [link to AZ page] |
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Instagram Story Inspiration: Frame 1: Frame 2: Frame 3: |
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LinkedIn Post Inspiration: Did you know Black women are underrepresented in breast cancer clinical trials—making up less than 3% of participants in the US?3 Yet they face a 40% higher mortality rate than White women.1,2 We need to close the gap by raising awareness and supporting efforts like AstraZeneca’s push for broader clinical trial representation. Let’s be the voice that ensures equity in research. Because when trials reflect our communities, outcomes hopefully improve for everyone. Tell a friend or loved one and help spread the word. Idea #2: Clinical trials are the foundation of medical progress—but when Black women make up less than 3% of participants in breast cancer trials in the US,3 we’re building that foundation on a gap. We need clinical trials that represent the people affected in the real world. Together, we can help ensure clinical trials are more representative and that everyone has a chance at health and well-being. Explore [link to AZ page] to learn how you can help drive change. Idea #3: Clinical trials fuel medical progress—but when Black women make up less than 3% of breast cancer trial participants in the US,3 we’re building progress on a gap. To close the mortality gap, we must first close the research gap. Let’s push for clinical trials that reflect real-world patients, ensuring a more representative patient population is studied. Visit [link to resource] to learn more. |
EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES
You can find resources from the community here. By working together, we can help ensure clinical trials are more representative and that everyone has a chance at health and well-being.
Beyond Pink
Includes information about living with metastatic breast cancer including available treatments, self-care, and resources.
Black Health Matters.com
Mission is to improve health outcomes in the Black community through education, awareness, and empowerment.
Black Women’s Health Imperative
Mission is to solve the most critical health issues that Black women and girls face through innovative programs, transformative research, and life-saving policies.
Breastcancer.org
Helps people make sense of complex medical and personal information about breast health and breast cancer, so they can make the best decisions for their lives.
Center for Information and Study on Clinical Research Participation (CISCRP)
Nonprofit organization providing educational resources, programs, and services that can increase awareness and understanding of the clinical research process.
Equal Hope
Dedicated to saving lives and improving the quality of life by eliminating health inequities through research, quality assessment and improvements, advocacy, education, and patient navigation.
Sisters Working It Out
Serves as a catalytic force in the elimination of breast cancer disparities in the Chicagoland area.
Tigerlily Foundation’s Clinical Trials Program
Transformational initiative aimed to accelerate the delivery of innovative cancer treatments to patients—particularly for women of color who are often underrepresented in clinical research.
TOUCH, The Black Breast Cancer Alliance
Drives collaborative efforts across the breast cancer ecosystem to work toward the common goal of eradicating Black breast cancer
ORGANIZATIONS AND PEOPLE TO FOLLOW ON SOCIAL MEDIA
You can follow the organizations and people listed here to keep up to date on clinical trials and other important healthcare and community news.
AstraZeneca
TOUCH, The Black Breast Cancer Alliance
Ricki Fairley, Chief Executive Officer at TOUCH, The Black Breast Cancer Alliance
Sisters Working It Out
Beulah Brent, Chief Executive Officer at Sisters Working It Out
Kemi Williams, Senior Director of Patient Science at AstraZeneca
Michele Sample, Vice President, Late-Stage Oncology Clinical Operations at AstraZeneca
Many of the organizations and websites listed above are independently operated and not managed by AstraZeneca. AstraZeneca assumes no responsibility for any information they may provide.
References:
1. American Cancer Society. Key Statistics for Breast Cancer. Accessed July 18, 2025. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/breast-cancer/about/how-common-is-breast-cancer.html.
2. American Cancer Society. Breast Cancer Death Rates are Highest for Black Women—Again. Accessed July 18, 2025. https://www.cancer.org/research/acs-research-news/breast-cancer-death-rates-are-highest-for-black-women-again.html.
3. US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Breast Cancer Statistics. Accessed July 18, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/breast-cancer/statistics/index.html.