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1. Know the Facts
According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and is now the leading cause of cancer death for Black women. Dr. Vivian Bea, director of the breast program at NewYork-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital and an assistant professor of surgery at Weill Cornell Medicine, suggests that there are multiple reasons that contribute to breast cancer disparities, and one of them is inconsistencies in breast cancer screening recommendations.
Research indicates that genetics may play a part in this higher risk disparity, and the risk may differ depending on a Black woman’s ancestry, specifically in cases of triple-negative breast cancer. Black women are more likely to have triple-negative breast cancer, a rarer but more aggressive form that does not respond to hormonal treatment. According to the American Cancer Society, triple-negative breast cancer is about twice as common in Black women than white women in the U.S., and a contributor to the lower breast cancer survival rate among Black patients. "It’s important that Black women know their risk for breast cancer, so that they can educate themselves and be proactive about their health," says Dr. Bea.
2. Get Screened — and Bring a Friend
Early detection is the best protection. "Even though Black women are more likely to have triple-negative breast cancer, if we catch these women at the earliest stage of that breast cancer, there is a better chance for survival," says Dr. Bea. She emphasizes that it’s essential that Black women get screened early and encourages them to bring a friend with them to their screening appointment.
3. Don’t Believe Myths
There is understandably a lot of fear around a breast cancer diagnosis, but it’s important to be aware of the many advances made in care. For example, Dr. Bea says some patients have expressed concern that if they receive a diagnosis of cancer and have surgery, the surgery could cause the cancer to spread. "This is false," she says. Women may believe that surgeons will have to remove their breasts, which is also not true. "We can offer modern approaches to breast surgery, such as lumpectomy or breast-conserving surgery, which only removes a portion of the breast," says Dr. Bea. "Those myths may be widening the gap of women not getting their mammograms right now. But it’s important to remember early detection saves lives."
4. Know Your Breasts
Dr. Bea encourages women to do a breast self-exam every month. "If there is an abnormality, you’d be the first to detect it," she says. Signs to look for include nipple discharge, a palpable mass (a lump), or any skin changes. "If you’ve never had eczema, a condition that makes your skin red and itchy, in your life, and you see skin changes on your breast, do not assume it’s eczema. Go and see your provider," she advises.
Conclusion
Breast cancer is a significant concern for Black women, and it’s essential to address the disparities that contribute to this risk. By knowing the facts, getting screened, and being aware of myths, Black women can take control of their breast health and reduce their risk of breast cancer.
FAQs
- What are the risk factors for breast cancer in Black women?
- Research indicates that genetics may play a part in this higher risk disparity, and the risk may differ depending on a Black woman’s ancestry, specifically in cases of triple-negative breast cancer.
- What is triple-negative breast cancer?
- Triple-negative breast cancer is a rarer but more aggressive form of breast cancer that does not respond to hormonal treatment and is more common in Black women.
- How can Black women reduce their risk of breast cancer?
- Black women can reduce their risk of breast cancer by getting screened early, being aware of their risk factors, and understanding their breast health.
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