Influence of Perceived Racial Stigma on Breast Cancer Screening Engagement.

Racial stigma, the perception of being labeled as socially devalued because of racial identity, is created by a hierarchical social structure and perpetuated by interpersonal processes [1]. The deleterious effects of racial stigma and discrimination are pervasive across all life domains; however, individuals are especially vulnerable in the health care setting, when they transition into the role of a patient seeking care. Racial stigma has been directly linked to adverse health outcomes among historically underserved racial and ethnic groups [2,3].