B REAS T CANC E R DI S P ARITIE S: AF RIC AN AM ERICAN WOM EN
LET S TALK ABOUT IT '
Chances
are
you
know
someone
who
has
battled breast cancer. Mother, Sister, friend, or co-worker, it has affected all of us in one way or another. In this special edition of Red Leaves, we honor and remember breast cancer warriors. We also want to provide education about
how
affects
breast
Black
symptoms screening
of
cancer
women, breast
disproportionately review
cancer,
signs and
recommendations.
and
review
Empowering
ourselves with knowledge can help change the narrative regarding this health disparity.
Signs and Symptoms
FACTS Did you know the second leading cause of cancer
deaths
States
is
among
Breast
women
Cancer?
in
the
African
United
American
- New lump in the breast or underarm (armpit). - Thickening or swelling of part of the breast. - Irritation or dimpling of breast skin.
women have the highest death rate of all racial
- Redness or flaky skin in the nipple area or the
and ethnic groups. African American Women
breast.
are 42% more likely to die of breast cancer than
- Pulling in of the nipple or pain in the nipple area.
women of other races and are more likely to be
- Nipple discharge other than breast milk, including
diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer
blood.
(TNBC), an aggressive subtype with limited
- Any change in the size or the shape of the
treatment options.
- Pain in any area of the breast.
Screening Recommendations
Risk Factors: Obesity is a key risk factor for developing breast cancer. African American women have the highest rates of obesity or being overweight than another group in the United States. so this contributes to the increase in breast cancer rates that we see in Black women.
Mammography is the most effective screening tool used today to find breast cancer in most women. However, the benefits of mammography vary by age. You and your health care provider can discuss what course of action is best for you. The screening recommendations referenced in this article are from the American Cancer Society.
Smoking is also a contributing factor. African American women are more likely to be exposed to second -hand smoke than other ethnic groups. Comorbidities having two or more diseases or medical
conditions.
breast.
For
example,
having
diabetes and hypertension.
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