October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Thus, this week we salute the survivors, the ones who are still here fighting, and the ones who gave it their all but ultimately succumbed to this dreadful disease. They are some true sheroes and heroes.
If breast cancer is the second most common cancer among women of all races in the United States, why are Black women dying at a higher rate than others?
The American Cancer Society has a few ideas about the disparity:
- Black women are not taking action. While 92% of black women agree breast health is important, only 25% have recently discussed breast health with their family, friends, or colleagues. And, only 17% have taken steps to understand their risk for breast cancer.
- Black Women are often at a more advanced stage upon detection.
- Black women may not have access to health care or health insurance so may have lower frequency of longer intervals between mammograms.
- Because they may not have insurance, Black women may not follow up on abnormal mammogram results because they can’t afford the diagnostic testing.
- Black women don’t get the same prompt high quality treatment compared to white women.
- Black women have the highest odds (2 times more likely) of getting Triple Negative Breast Cancer, a kind of breast cancer that often is aggressive and comes back after treatment. It has the highest mortality rate and is the only breast cancer sub-type that does not have a therapy to prevent recurrence. Note that younger women and women diagnosed at later stages are more likely to get Triple Negative Breast Cancer.
- Black women have a higher prevalence of obesity and other health conditions.
There’s a saying that “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” It’s all in God’s hands, but He gives us the power to utilize every resource available to protect and take care of ourselves. So, make sure your health checks are up-to-date. We hope this helps!
–Sojourner Justice
