courtesy of Madame Noire
Think you know everything about screening for breast cancer? If you’e an african-american woman, chances are that’s not true. Breast cancer in Black women behaves differently, happens earlier and is deadlier — if you don’t know these life-saving tips we’re sharing this October which marks the beginning of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
BLACK WOMEN ARE AT A LOWER RISK OF GETTING BREAST CANCER
First, the good news. Black women are less likely to develop breast cancer than other groups. According to statistics gathered by the American Cancer Society, Black women only have a 1 in 9 chance of developing cancer in their lifetime. For white women the risk is 1 in 8.
BUT BLACK WOMEN ARE MORE LIKELY TO DIE FROM IT
Now the bad news. For black women who do develop breast cancer, they’re 41 percent more likely to die of breast cancer than white women. Now that the shocking statistics are on the table, let’s talk about what you can do to turn those statistics around.
FIND A DOCTOR WHO SPECIALIZES IN AFRICAN-AMERICAN REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH
Why are black women more likely to die from breast cancer? The preliminary research suggests that part of the reason is differences in African-American women’s reproductive biology. A doctor who specializes in black women’s health better understands the role that those differences play.
INSIST ON FOLLOWING UP
Today, black women have mammograms at the same rate as the majority of the population. But when it comes to follow-up appointments after abnormal test results, they are still falling behind the pack.
Don’t let fear keep you from early treatment that could save your life. And if you don’t believe your doctor is proactive enough, get a second opinion.
START YOUR MAMMOGRAMS EARLY
Think you don’t need to start getting mammograms until you’re in your 40s? Not if you’re African-American. A recent study at the University of Chicago found that 40 is too late for many black women. Talk to your doctor about your risk factors and the ideal age for you to start.
WORK IT OUT
Four out of five black women are overweight. And that extra weight leads to higher estrogen levels that increase your risk of developing breast cancer after menopause.
RELAX
Dr. Olufunmilayo Olopade — recently appointed to the National Cancer Advisory Board by President Obama — says that stress combined with African-American women’s unique genetics could be the source of their higher breast cancer mortality rates.
Yoga, therapy and other stress-reduction exercises could reduce your risk of developing breast cancer and increase your risk of surviving it.
SCHEDULE A MAMMOGRAM EVERY YEAR
While positive social and economic changes have resulted in black women getting mammograms at a higher rate than before, they are still behind the pack in annual screenings according to a study published in the Journal of National Black Nurses’ Association.
What you don’t know could kill you. A standing annual appointment could save your life.
– See more at: http://madamenoire.com/474067/breast-cancer-in-black-women/8/
