The Overview of Breast Cancer and How It Affects Black women (Facts)

The data are clear: black women are disproportionately affected by breast cancer, which affects over 3.8 million women in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society. This is due to the fact that black women are 40% more likely than white women to die from the disease.

There are several reasons for this, including: health care practitioners are biased towards black people, they may lack access to comprehensive and affordable care, and they are frequently diagnosed late, typically with more severe types of breast cancer. According to current research, black women are more likely to develop cancer that metastasizes, which means it has spread to other parts of the body and is more difficult to cure.

Definition Of Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is a disorder in which the cells of the breast proliferate uncontrollably. There are various types of breast cancer. The type of breast cancer is determined by which cells in the breast develop into cancer.

What exactly is the difference? 

Breast cancer classifications are diverse and complex. To begin with, black women had a lower incidence rate of breast cancer but a higher death rate than white women. This means that, while African American women are less likely to have the disease, they are far 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 conclusion, incidence rates might be deceiving. In general, African American women have a lower incidence of the condition; nevertheless, when it does develop, it can be more lethal. As a result, greater screening and prevention initiatives, as well as more aggressive medical treatment, may benefit black women.

Although there is no one proven approach to avoid breast cancer, evidence from prevention-related research show that women can minimize their risk by living a healthy lifestyle, limiting alcohol use, 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.