Breast Cancer and Black Women

The statistics for Black women and breast cancer demand a consistent campaign to inform and treat. According to breastcancer.org, it’s estimated 12 percent of women in the U.S. will develop invasive breast cancer. For black women, it is the number one cause of death.

As Breast Cancer Awareness month continues, here’s what you should know:

Fast Facts (statistics provided by the American Cancer Society)

• In 2013,  more than 232,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer were expected to be diagnosed among U.S. women.
• Close to 39, 620 women in the U.S. were expected to die from breast cancer.
• Breast cancer incidence rates are highest in non-Hispanic white women, followed by African American women and are lowest among Asian/Pacific Islander women.
• Breast cancer death rates are highest for African American women followed by white women.”

Dr. Alvaro Carrascal, Vice President of Health Systems of the American Cancer Society Eastern Division, said the breast cancer mortality rate among black women is decreasing, but it’s not declining as fast as rates among white women. Here’s why:

• There is a difference in the type of tumor. In African American women under 45, the tumor is more aggressive.
• Among women, if a mammogram result is not normal, the follow up for a diagnostic is lower for African-Americans.
• After a diagnosis is made, there is a delay in treatment for African American women.
• African American women don’t always receive top treatment.

Carrascal also said access to good health care, medical insurance, poverty and education are other reasons why African-American women are diagnosed with breast cancer in a later stage and don’t have access to quality treatment.

Get a Mammogram (NOW!):

A 2010 National Health Survey interview reported that about 67% of women had a mammogram in the past two years.

“ Women 40 years or older should have a mammogram every year,” said Dr. Carrascal. “If they have a family history of breast cancer they should consult with their physician and need screening at an earlier age.”

He said other factors to decrease the risk of breast cancer are to avoid weight gain, remain physically active and minimize alcohol consumption. The American Cancer Society also said that women should perform monthly breast self exams (BSE) and “become familiar with both appearance and feel of their breasts.”

Campaigns and Treatment

There are also a number of breast cancer campaigns that help spread awareness as well as support and advise women across the country. One of the most popular campaigns is called “I Love Boobies,” with a mission is to “remove the shame associated with breasts and breast health.”

Similarly, Dr. Carrascal said that African American women should recognize and know that Breast Cancer is not a bad thing.

“In African American and Latino communities, cancer has strong connotations,” said Carrascal. “ Breast cancer treatment is better now than ever.”

Dr. Carrascal is right, treatment for breast cancer has improved. The American Cancer Society reported that most women will choose to have surgery as their preferred treatment method. Surgery is typically combined with radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy and/or targeted therapy.

Survival

Nearly 40,000 women are expected to die from breast cancer in 2013, but there is still hope. Experts from the American Cancer Society looked at breast cancer survival rates over a span of five years (2002-2008) to obtain accurate data. The cancer survival rate for African Americans was 78%, but for white women it was much higher at 90%.

Additionally, Dr. Carrascal said doctors are finding cancer earlier, which has also contributed to the survival rate. He said about 50% of the breast cancer found in black women is found in the early stage and the rate is 61% for white women.

Today there are more than 2.8 million breast cancer survivors in the United States.