MEDICAL ADVICE

Health Disparities and Breast Cancer

by DR. JOY JACKSON

Have you or someone you know ever decided not to seek medical care because it was too expensive or too far away?

At some point in their lives, many people face these or other obstacles to receiving appropriate health care. Health equity acknowledges the existence of these varying degrees of need and promotes providing different tools to overcome these obstacles. The Florida Department of Health works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts. Health equity is a pillar in accomplishing this mission.

Health disparities highlight the lack of equity between groups. They exist in many areas, but October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month; a period dedicated to encouraging education on breast cancer and promoting early detection screening. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports 208,686 women died due to breast cancer between 2014 and 2018, and it is one of the most common cancers in women across all races and ethnicities in the nation.

Breast cancer is one of the illnesses where health disparities can be seen across the country and in Polk County. In Polk, a disparity exists between black and white women in breast cancer incidence and death rates. A black woman is less likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer but more likely to die from it. Similar disparities are also seen in Polk County among other cancers such as cervical cancer: Black women are more likely to both be diagnosed and die from cervical cancer.

A woman’s best defense against breast cancer is early detection screening. Breast cancer screening does not prevent breast cancer but can detect it early on, making it easier to treat. A mammogram is usually the best way to detect breast cancer early. The United States Preventative Services Task Force recommends that women between 50 and 74 years old get a mammogram screening every two years and women 40 to 49 years old should talk to a doctor about when to start and how often to get a mammogram.

According to the CDC, in order to reduce the risk of cervical cancer, women are encouraged to get screened regularly between the ages of 21 to 65, get the HPV vaccine, avoid smoking, and limit the number of sexual partners. The HPV vaccine is recommended for boys and girls who are 11 to 12 years old but can be given as early as age 9 and until age 26.

We know there are health disparities in Polk County, but we also know we are working to close these gaps through education and tools that place appropriate health care within reach for all residents. Preventive care can keep disease away or detect problems early, when treatment is more effective. Talk to a health care provider about your risk for breast cancer, cervical cancer, and other diseases to learn more about what screenings and exams are right for you and how often you should have them done. To find out if you qualify for a free or low-cost mammogram and Pap test, call the Florida Department of Health’s Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program at 850-245-4144. HN