Breasts. They drive men and women alike crazy — for different reasons. They give nutritional values for life, and often are viewed as objects for desire and sexual pleasure, but in the battle against breast cancer, it would suit both sexes to know just how deadly breasts can be — especially for Black women.
In the U.S., breast cancer is the second most diagnosed cancer in women. (It can also occur in men, but is most common among women.)
Before I jump into the sobering statistics, it’s best that people understand how they function from a practical view. A breast is made up of three main parts: the lobules, which are the glands that produce milk; the ducts, which are tubes that carry milk to the nipple; and the connective tissue that surrounds and holds everything together. Breast cancer can begin in any part of the breast, but most breast cancers begin in the ducts or lobules. Breast cancer can spread outside the breast through blood vessels and lymph vessels to other parts of the body. This is called metastasis — and that’s when the cancer starts to affect your entire wellbeing.
Recent U.S. studies indicate more White women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year, yet Black women are 40% more likely to die from breast cancer.
As a Black woman, this statistic is both perplexing and distressing.
Studies are still ongoing, but some studies suggest there are many factors that may contribute to this disproportionate death rate. One factor was cancer among Black women was more likely to metastasize then White women. In many studies, socioeconomics were also a factor; access to insurance, quality heath care, which coincides with, in some areas, the ability to make it to doctor appointment, and access to proper nutrition are some of the reasons, according to health professionals. Studies also indicate breast cancer if often diagnosed later in Black women. Surveys showed this was due to less access to healthcare services, which circles back to the socioeconomics factors.
A woman’s risk of having breast cancer is also higher if she has a family history of breast cancer. With Black women being the second most diagnosed cases of breast cancer, there is a higher chance of there being a family history.
The factors cited in these studies all play a huge part in why more Black women are dying from breast cancer then any other ethnicity.
Cancer doesn’t discriminate. It effects every race, and people of all ages. The way each person responds to cancer treatment is influenced by many internal and external factors, which can be unique to each of us. But in my opinion, if a woman is not offered the privilege of getting the care they need, then that lowers their odds of survival. I also believe that proper nutrition and exercise also plays a factor. For example, cholesterol increases the rate of the cancer metastasizing. Black Americans live with the stereotype of eating high-cholesterol diets and being obese, But with the vast information about breast cancer available, we know someone with the a healthy lifestyle can also be diagnosed with breast cancer, so diet and exercise are not a definitive deterrents.
This brings me to the fact that some doctors may not have proper treatment or treatment plans, or a full understanding of their patients needs. Past studies have also shown that Black women are severely underrepresented in nearly all datasets of patient tumors, so many of those past studies mostly only accounted for White women. Beyond the external factors, biological factors are still being researched.
Overall, I believe that all women should do a self exams. If you’re a woman — or a man that is interested in knowing how — and you haven’t explored this yet, click here to learn how. And don’t skip yearly screenings for breast cancer. Since black women have a higher rate of mortality they should be screened for breast cancer earlier then the suggested age, especially if there is a known family history. And most importantly, advocate for yourself, don’t expect a doctor to do it! It never hurts to get a second opinion if you feel you are not receiving the proper care.
Since cancer doesn’t discriminate, we must do all that we can in our power to prevent it, until the day we finally have definitive clarity about the disparity of breast cancer killing Black women. Even better, one day eradicating the disease for All women, once and for all.
