Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among Black women. According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer in Black women is now the leading cause of cancer death. Although Black women are less likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer compared to their white counterparts, they are about 41% more likely to die from the disease. Let’s briefly explore the prevalence of breast cancer among Black women, the importance of getting screens, and commonly held myths.
Breast Cancer Disparities Among Black Women
The disparities within breast health are associated with multiple reasons, including inconsistencies in recommendations for breast cancer screening in Black women. A recent study on the recommendation for initiating breast cancer screening recommends that Black women start breast cancer screening at an earlier age than other ethnic and racial groups.
The researchers explored breast cancer in Black women statistics from 2011 to 2020, which revealed that Black women were twice as likely to die of breast cancer before reaching 50 years than white women. Black women are also more likely to:
- Get diagnosed with breast cancer before age 40
- Have obesity and other health conditions
- Have certain aggressive breast cancers
- Get diagnosed with metastatic (advanced) breast cancer
The stark racial disparity in breast cancer is a clear indication that one-size-fits-all screening policies may not be optimal or equitable. To improve these outcomes, there is a need for Black women to start screening at earlier ages. The study also highlights the importance of personalized medicine with the realization that what works for one group may not necessarily work for another. With such a more equitable approach to screening recommendations, disparities can be eliminated by providing proper care at the right time.
Causes of Black Cancer Disparities Among Black Women
As researchers continue to look into the big disparity in breast cancer between Black and White women, several factors have been identified as the leading causes.
- Access to care: Lack of access was originally pointed out as the case of breast disparities. However, several policies have been implemented in the past that have improved mammography screening and the availability of insurance. However, disparity still exists.
- Socio-economic factors: Black women are more likely to have heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. They are also less likely to breastfeed after childbirth, which are all risk factors associated with breast cancer.
- Genetics: Research indicates that genetics play a huge role in the higher risk disparity. In addition to racial background, the risk of breast cancer in Black women can differ depending on ancestry, especially for the cases of triple-negative breast cancer.
- Tumor Biology: The triple-negative breast cancer is a rare and more aggressive form, which is twice as common in Black women than white women and does not respond to hormonal treatment.
Importance of Getting Screened Early
When it comes to breast cancer in Black women, early detection is the best protection. Although triple-negative breast cancer is more likely to occur in Black women, there is a better chance of survival when it’s caught early.
The United States Preventive Services Task Force recommends that women with average risk start getting mammograms from the age of 40 instead of 50. It is also important for doctors and health policymakers to consider the race and ethnicity of a woman when advising when to start screening. This ensures that those at high risk are screened earlier.
Since Black women are more likely to be diagnosed at a younger age, getting a risk assessment done at 25 or by the age of 30 is highly recommended. A breast expert who has experience in treating diverse populations can help in determining your actual risk profile. It may also be helpful to go with a friend for moral support and hold each other accountable.
Debunking Common Myths About Breast Cancer Screening
Most Black women fear breast cancer screening for a reason or two. However, it is helpful to know that the many advances made in care have made such procedures safer and friendlier.
Among the commonly held misconceptions is that when a patient is diagnosed with cancer and has surgery, the procedure would spread the cancer even more. This is such a false myth as the procedure is meant to stop the spread and not increase it. There is also the misconception that the surgeon will have to remove the breast. While this is a major concern, modern approaches to breast surgery such as breast-conserving surgery and lumpectomy offer remedy by removing just a portion of the breast.
While these myths continue to widen the gap of women not getting their mammograms, understanding the facts helps in making the right decision.
Learn to Examine Your Breast
Knowing your own breast can help you detect any abnormality. By doing a breast self-exam regularly, you can easily see when there are any changes. Some of the signs that will require to see your provider for further examination include:
- A lump (palpable mass)
- Nipple discharge
- Skin changes or skin that looks like an orange peel
- Swelling in all or part of your breast
- Pain in your breast or nipple
- Swollen lymph nodes near the collarbone or under your armpit
In conclusion, breast cancer in Black women is still subject to disparities. While several policies have been implemented to bridge this gap, better outcomes can be achieved by encouraging Black women to go for screening at an earlier age. This helps in early detection and intervention.
Learn More
Race and Ethnicity–Adjusted Age Recommendation for Initiating Breast Cancer Screening. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2803948#google_vignette
The Landmark Series-Addressing Disparities in Breast Cancer Screening: New Recommendations for Black Women. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36192515/
Cancer Facts & Figures for African American/Black People. https://www.cancer.org/research/cancer-facts-statistics/cancer-facts-figures-for-african-americans.html
Breakthroughs in Breast Cancer Research. https://healthmatters.nyp.org/breakthroughs-in-breast-cancer-research/
Breast Cancer in Black Women. https://www.webmd.com/breast-cancer/breast-cancer-black-women
Gene variants and breast cancer risk in Black women. https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/gene-variants-breast-cancer-risk-black-women
