Advances in breast cancer have come a long way, yet African-American women must remain vigilant about the disease that continues to disproportionately affect Black women.
A mammogram, or an x-ray of the breast tissue, is the best way to detect cell overgrowth for women age 40 and older, yet certain factors keep women from facing reality.
“Some women fear the exam itself or that the exam is going to hurt. In some cases, there is discomfort, but isn’t a few seconds of discomfort worth lifesaving information,” asks Vicki Rakowski, CEO of American Cancer Society Great Lakes Division. “The second fear, which is the hardest to understand is, ‘what if they find something?’ We want to find (the cancer) so we can address it.”
The need for Black women to face those fears is high. Research has shown that although white women have higher incidences of breast cancer than African-American women, death rates among Black women are significantly higher than their white counterparts.
Assertive efforts and millions of dollars in research has gone to study the dynamics of breast cancer specifically on Black women. Though there are many types of breast cancer, triple negative breast cancer not only is one of the most deadly forms of breast cancer, but is unreasonably affecting and killing Black women over other races.
“Women who have triple negative breast cancer, are likely to do less well than women with other types of breast cancer, even when caught early. Today, there isn’t a targeted therapy for people with a triple negative tumor,” said Susan Brown, director of health education at Susan G. Komen for the Cure. “Right now chemotherapy is the best and most effective treatment for triple negative breast cancer.”
Breast cancer death rates are going down, however women are still dying at considerable rates because researchers are continuously discovering subsets of breast cancer. Despite all, late detection and inadequate treatment contribute greatly to breast cancer deaths.
Women are also encouraged to know their risks, such as family history, age or reproductive/hormone history. Women die every day from breast cancer, but by following breast cancer survival suggestions, there is a 95 percent chance of survival rate.
Experts state the survivorship point is five years. Most cancer recurrences happen within that five-year point.
For women under age 40 and with average risks, Brown states action is being taken on effective ways to test younger women. Self breast exams are no longer reliable, but Brown goes on to say women should continue to do self exams to know what is normal for them in terms of how their breasts look and feel.
While some women are proactive about their breast health, many are still missing the mark. Although age is a factor in obtaining breast cancer, some younger women believe their youth protects them. Black women are especially encouraged not to believe this myth since incidents of breast cancer occurs at younger ages than in white women.
“What also surprises me is that so often we talk about our mother’s side of the family. It is possible for inherited genetic mutations to pass through your father’s side of the family as well,” said Brown. “When gathering family medical history, look on your dad’s side.”
Women are also under the impression that even if there is no breast cancer in your family, somehow you are safe. All women are at risk for breast cancer.
In addition to making healthy lifestyle choices such as proper diet and exercise, Rakowski further suggests Black women participate in clinical trails to help researchers better understand the biology between Blacks and other races regarding breast cancer.
Moreover she encourages Black women to not worry about the costs of screenings and treatments because there are financial resources available. African-American women should most importantly provide support for one another and share their stories.
“When we’re silent, we get hurt. This is nothing to be ashamed or embarrassed about. Don’t be afraid to share your story with someone else because it could save more lives,” said Rakowski.
For more information, call the American Cancer Society at (800) ACS-2345, (317) 344-7800 or www.cancer.org; Susan G. Komen For the Cure at (877) GO–KOMEN, (317) 638-2873 or visit www.komen.org.
