Black Women At Higher Risk for Breast Cancer
I was told that, as an African-American woman, I was less likely to be diagnosed with cancer, but now that I was, I was more likely to die from it. What in the heck do you do with that stat?” - Robin Roberts
If you're a black woman and you still think breast cancer is a white woman's disease, you need to think again.
Black women tend to develop breast cancer at a younger age (less than 40 and before menopause). They tend to have higher rates of aggressive breast cancer subtypes which grow very rapidly. Black women also often present for treatment late due to limited access to health care and oftentimes cultural factors. Unfortunately, the combination of these factors and others not mentioned here, means black women having higher death rates and morbidity from breast cancer when compared with other ethnicities.
In an effort to change the mortality outcome of breast cancer in black women, new breast cancer screening guidelines published by the American College of Radiology (ACR) and the Society of Breast Imaging (SBI) have been recommended. It is now recommended that black women be evaluated for breast cancer risk no later than age 30! This is so that women at higher risk (greater than 20% lifetime risk) have an opportunity to engage in routine screening earlier than age 40, receive supplemental screening with breast MRI and chemo-preventive options where appropriate.
Other women considered at high risk for breast cancer are:
✓ women with a gene mutations, such as BRCA1, BRCA2 mutation, linked to breast cancer
✓ women who previously had radiation to the chest or face
✓ women of Ashkenazi Jewish descent
✓ women with a strong family history of breast cancer (first degree relative-mother, sister)
✓ women with a personal history of breast cancer
✓ women with dense breasts
✓ women with certain benign breast conditions: atypical ductal/lobular hyperplasia.
Don’t take the possibility of early breast cancer onset for granted. Be breast aware! Regularly look and feel your breast so you know what’s normal for you. Knowledge is power. As an initial precaution and with limited access to healthcare, you can do a breast self-exam. We have a free tool for you that you can use to self examine your breasts properly. Click here to get it now for free!. And when you notice that something is not quite right, follow up with your physician as soon as you can.
The following are some symptoms and signs of breast cancer:
✓ a change in breast size or shape
✓ a lump or area that feels thicker than the rest of the breast
✓ a change in skin texture such as puckering or dimpling (like the skin of an orange)
✓ redness or rash on the skin and/or around the nipple
✓ your nipple has become pulled in or looks different, for example changed its position or shape
✓ bloody liquid that comes from the nipple without squeezing
✓ swelling in your armpit or around your collarbone
Report any of the above symptoms, to your healthcare provider promptly.
Furthermore, it’s important to have honest conversations with your family and learn more about your cancer history. It’s worth noting that women with a strong family history of breast cancer are more likely to get breast cancer.
Click on the image below to download the breast cancer screening guidelines published by the American College of Radiology (ACR) and the Society of Breast Imaging (SBI).
