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Breast Cancer in Women of Color
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time for women to focus on prevention and early detection.
Are the statistics for breast cancer and women different for black women?
Yes, statistics point out that while all women are at risk of developing breast cancer and white women are slightly more likely than black women to develop breast cancer, black women are more likely to die of breast cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute, breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths among black women. The five-year survival rate for black women with breast cancer is 43 percent. For white women it is 90 percent
What accounts for this alarming statistic?
It is a known fact that social, cultural and belief factors play a large part in this difference in the races. Black women are more likely to have been brought up with misinformation about breast cancer and its treatment being past down from their mothers and grandmothers. They are also less likely to have access to health care and medical insurance and to be diagnosed and treated later.
Additionally, black women have not associated breast cancer with themselves, in the past due in part to the media's focus on white women. There is a concerted effort to include images of black women in current breast cancer media campaigns and in current literature about the disease.
Is anything being done to educate black women about breast cancer detection and prevention?
There are many organizations that are dedicated to raising the awareness of breast cancer among black women, based in large cities as well as in rural communities. The Breast Examination Center of Harlem, The Philadelphia Black Women's Health Project, and The Indianapolis Breast Center are a few of these organizations that stand out. They offer education, support and in some cases, free examinations and mammograms. The state of North Carolina has an out-reach program focusing on older black women called Sister to Sister.
Rise Sisters, Rise in Harlem was one of the first support groups for black women who have had breast cancer.
What is the risk of developing breast cancer?
Cancer, in general, is the second leading cause of death in the United States and blacks have higher cancer death rates than do whites. One out of every eight women in American gets breast cancer today. According to the American Cancer Society, more than 180,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in the coming year and about 46,000 women will die from it.
Is it possible to pre-determine if you are likely to develop breast cancer?
Some women have a family history of the disease or might be described as being in a high risk group but most of the women who get breast cancer are struck by the disease without prior conditions or unhealthy lifestyles.
What is meant by a family history?
Women with a personal or family history of breast cancer are definitely at higher risk for breast cancer. If you have already had breast cancer, you are more likely to develop it again in the opposite breast. If your mother or sister has or had breast cancer, especially if they developed it at a young age, you are at higher risk of developing it yourself.
Is age a factor in developing breast cancer?
Yes. Your changes of developing breast cancer increase greatly after the age of 40. Two-thirds of breast cancers are found in women over the age of 50.
What are the other risk factors?
There are several factors that increase your risk for breast cancer. They include
- Beginning to menstruate early
- Entering menopause late (after age 51)
- Waiting until after age 30 to have your first child
- Not having any children
Are there preventative measures that can be taken to lower the changes of developing breast cancer?
The American Cancer Society recommends a three-step plan for early dectection and preventive care. They plan includes
- Monthly breast self-examinations
- An annual check-up by a doctor or trained nurse
- Mammography according to your age and the recommendation of your doctor
At what age should a woman start doing monthly breast self-exams?
All women, regardless of age, should begin practiscing breast self-exams as soon as their begin developing breasts. Breast self-exams (BSE) should continue throughout a woman's life, even during pregnancy and after menopause. BSE should be done at the same time each month. Practicing regular BSEs also teaches women to know their own breasts so that they recognize changes should they occur.
What about mammograms, when should women start having them?
The American Cancer Society recommends mammograms as follows
- If you note a change in your breast you should see a doctor immediately and have a mammogram as soon as possible
- Women over the age of 40, should have a mammogram annually
How is a mammogram done?
A mammogram is a low-dose x-ray picture of the breast and is one of the most common imaging techniques done today. The x-ray is taken while the breast is compressed between two plastic plates. Behind one plate is the source of the x-rays. The x-rays travel through the breast and the other plate to hit a film screen behind the x-ray plate. They procedure is not painful or harmful. The compression of the breast may cause a slight discomfort.
Mammograms are important because they can detect cancer before a lump becomes large enough to be felt. They can also assist in the diagnosis of other breast problems such as cysts.
Does the size and shape of a woman's breast make a difference during mammography?
Some women have what are called radiodense breasts and x-rays do no transmit through them very well. However, certified mammography centers have radiology technicians that are trained to take x-rays of these types of breasts.
Do I need a mammogram if I have beast implants?
Yes, women with breast implants should follow the same recommended screening mammograms as women without implants.
What are some of the sign of breast cancer?
Some of the signs to look for include
- A lump in the breast
- Dimpling of the breast
- Nipple discharge
- Nipple inversion
If a lump is found, how is it determined if it is cancerous or not?
A sample of the lump would be taken through a biopsy procedure and examined in a laboratory for a definitive diagnosis. Traditionally, breast biopsies have been performed in operating rooms, however, there is a new method of doing them that is minimally invasive and can be done in a clinic setting.
What advice is being given to black women?
African-American health experts say "medical empowerment" is as important to the black community as economic, educational or professional self-help. It is said to be one the best defenses available against breast cancer. Health experts agree that more African-Americans must begin taking responsibility for their health.
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