The statistics are clear: black women frequently lose out when it comes to breast cancer, which affects more than 3.8 million women in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society. This is because black women are 40% more likely than white women to die from the disease.
There are numerous causes for this, including: Health care providers are biased towards black individuals, they may lack access to comprehensive and inexpensive care, and they are often identified late, often with more aggressive kinds of breast cancer. According to recent research, black women are more likely to have cancer that metastasizes, which means it is more difficult to cure because it has spread to other parts of the body.
What exactly is the difference?
The distinctions in breast cancer are numerous and complex. To begin with, black women had a lower incidence rate but a greater death rate from breast cancer than white women. This means that while African American women are less likely to have the disease, they are significantly more likely to die as a result of it.
Black women have the greatest breast cancer death rate of any racial or ethnic group, and white women have a 41% higher breast cancer death rate.1,2 That is not a typo; it is an incredible statistic: Black women with breast cancer are 41% more likely than white women to die from the disease. Furthermore, African American women have a worse chance of survival five years following diagnosis.
Overview
In summary, incidence rates can be misleading. In general, African American women have a lower incidence of the disease; However, when breast cancer develops in these women, it can be more deadly. Therefore, black women may benefit from better screening and prevention efforts, as well as more aggressive medical treatment.
There is no one sure way to prevent breast cancer, but data from prevention-related studies shows that women can reduce their risk by leading a healthy lifestyle, reducing alcohol consumption, exercising regularly and maintaining a healthy weight.
Symptoms of Breast Cancer in Black Women
Breast cancer usually has no symptoms in its early stages, when the tumor is small and difficult to see. Breast cancer is also the easiest to treat at this stage, which is why screening mammograms are important.
Black women with breast cancer may first notice a painless lump in the breast. The lumps are usually noncancerous (benign) and can occur frequently. However, if you notice a lump in your breast that feels unusual, you should discuss it with your doctor as soon as possible.
Some changes to your breast tissue can be a sign of cancer and are something that you should not ignore. These include:
- New lump in the breast or underarm (armpit)
- Change in the size or the shape of the breast
- Pain in any area of the breast
- Irritation or dimpling of breast skin
- Thickening or swelling of part of the breast
- Nipple discharge other than breast milk, including blood
- Redness or flaky skin in the nipple area or the breast
- Pulling in of the nipple or pain in the nipple area
If breast cancer runs in your family or you have other risk factors, finding a lump will be scary and you could fear the worst. However, there are many other causes of breast lumps that are not cancer.
Here, experts dive into how breast cancer affects Black women and offer a few key ways you can try to keep it out of your future.
1. Black women are often diagnosed with more aggressive forms of breast cancer.
2. Black women are underrepresented in clinical trials, often for reasons beyond their control.
3. Black women tend to have denser breasts.
4. Black women may have more estrogen exposure over time.
5. Black women may need to get screened for breast cancer earlier.
6. Black women are often forced to be their own health advocates.
The Facts About African American Breast Cancer Inequality
Lower Incidence. African American women have a lower incidence of breast cancer than other racial/ethnic groups.
Highest Mortality Rate. Black women have the highest breast cancer death rates of any racial or ethnic group and a 41 percent higher breast cancer death rate than white women.
Reduced Survival. African American women are less likely to survive five years after diagnosis. Diagnosis at a younger age. Black women are more likely to develop breast cancer before the age of 50.
Most aggressive crab. African American women have higher rates of more aggressive breast cancers, such as B. triple negative cancer.
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