If a Black woman is diagnosed with
breast cancer, it is imperative that she educate herself about her
diagnosis and all of her treatment options, as some studies are showing
that Black women with breast cancer in the US are not being considered
for some of the newest technologies and therapies
I interviewed a doctor who specializes in breast cancer education.
Hopefully this article can be helpful to someone:
WHAT DETAILS IN PARTICULAR SHOULD ALL BLACK WOMEN, REGARDLESS OF AGE, BE AWARE OF IN REGARD TO BREAST HEALTH?
Dr. Quarterman: Lifestyle
lifestyle lifestyle: low sugar, low fat, high fiber diet; minimal
alcohol, keep BMI in normal range, don’t smoke. Start these habits now.
All
Black women must understand that researchers are JUST NOW making
concerted efforts to look at and include women of color in studies about
breast health and disease. This means that our treatments and our
breast health recommendations, while miraculous and undoubtedly
effective for all women, may have better effects for WOC as more
information is gathered and therapy can be better tailored to them. For
instance, we’ve learned that all WOC have younger average ages of onset
of breast cancer versus white women, which means that all WOC should
probably start screening at age 40. Black women are more likely to
develop a more aggressive form of breast cancer (triple negative) that
is harder to successfully treat. All WOC are more likely to die of
breast cancer compared to white women.
And
unfortunately, we live in an age where breast cancer may not be the
first thing a doctor considers when a WOC has a breast complaint. So
WOC must be vigilant themselves and demand a full breast evaluation,
with imaging, when they have a breast concern.
Black
women are more likely to be overweight or obese, which increases breast
cancer risk. A healthy lifestyle and weight control are therefore
important. What’s great is that breast specialists are increasingly
aware of differences between Black women, other WOC and white women
regarding breast disease. The patient must encourage her doctor to
openly discuss her diagnosis and treatment options in full.
Here is also a great video that gives more tips and advice on breast self- examinations! Dr Sam Hay (from the Australian Embarrassing Bodies) explains and shows how and when to do it. It’s a really great video that every women and man should watch!!
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