October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the overarching mission is powerful ― help increase awareness about the importance of early detection, raise funds for research and provide support to those affected by the disease.
Breast cancer is the second most common kind of cancer among women in the U.S. Unfortunately, there are racial disparities that result in a higher mortality rate. While breast cancer incidence is lower among African American women than white women, the mortality rate is 42 percent higher. It is widely thought that the higher mortality rate among African American women is a result of a lack of comprehensive care, including preventive screenings. Here’s a look at a few probable factors behind this disconcerting trend, along with steps you can take to reduce your risk:
- Screening can be costly and time consuming. Three out of every ten women – regardless of race – do not get regular mammograms. Low income levels, lack of access to a convenient mammography center, the absence of a regular health insurance provider, lack of child care and the inability to leave work all contribute to missed breast cancer screenings, which are really missed life-saving opportunities to detect early stage cancer. If you’ve skipped screenings because you don’t have the time or money, see a nurse practitioner and discuss ways to make screening more accessible. In the meantime, keep up with your self-exams at home and remember that 40 percent of diagnosed breast cancer is detected by women who discover a lump on their own.