Grant will support study on racial discrimination in healthcare

Grant will support study on racial discrimination in healthcare

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(ABC 6 News) – One Austin scientist will get a large sum to fund her research.

Dr. Leena Hilakivi-Clarke will receive $100,000 for a pilot study she’s leading.

Hilakivi-Clarke’s study investigates the effects of racial discrimination on gut health for cancer patients who received a specific form of breast cancer treatment.

“Social isolation has several adverse effects on our health,” said Hilakivi-Clarke. “It increases breast cancer mortality, but it also increase, particularly, cardio vascular mortality and stroke.”

Researchers at the Hormel Institute hope the pilot study will lead to more funding and further investigations into the health effects of racial discrimination.