October is breast cancer awareness month

This month, I want to write a post that is close to my heart – and likely, close to many of my readers and customers’ hearts as well.

Breast Cancer affects hundreds of thousands of women across the world. In the US alone, there are more than 3.8 million women with a history of breast cancer, and in 2021, it is estimated that 281,550 new cases of invasive breast cancer and another 49,290 cases of non-invasive (in-situ) breast cancer, are expected to be diagnosed.  

According to breastcancer.org, breast cancer is more common in Black women than White Women, and so, during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I want to raise awareness of how breast cancer presents differently in black women, and how you can reduce the risk by being more aware of changes within your own body.

What is TNBC?

TNBC is a breast cancer subtype that is commonly known as triple negative breast cancer and is one of the most aggressive patterns. It accounts for around 15% of breast cancers across the world – and is twice as common in Black women than White women – accounting for approximately 30% of cases.

Triple negative breast cancer:

• is harder to detect on mammograms

• tends to cause larger tumors compared to non-TNBC

• more likely to spread to other organs

• more likely to require chemotherapy

How can I reduce the risk of getting breast cancer?

Early detection! Catching breast cancer early – when it is small and easy to treat – is the best way to reduce the risk for any woman.

 The Black Women’s Health Imperative recommends that all women undertake annual mammograms – starting at age 40. Those who have a history of breast cancer within the family should start screening mammograms 5-10 years younger than the youngest age of breast cancer in the family.

In addition, it is important to note that lifestyle changes can also reduce the likelihood of developing breast cancer:

• healthy diet

• regular fitness or exercise routine

• limit alcoholic beverages

• nursing after pregnancy

How do I self-screen?

Even though The Black Women’s Health Imperative recommends regular mammograms over self-screening, it is worth knowing how to self-screen as it can be a vital step in early detection for some women. Remember to:

• TOUCH your breasts: can you feel anything new or unusual?

• LOOK for changes: does anything look different?

• CHECK: with your physician if something has changed

You must check all parts of your breasts, your armpits and up to your collarbone for any changes. No matter what size or shape your breasts are, remember to check them regularly. The below indicates early warning signs of breast cancer:

Source: breastcancernow.org

If you, or a loved one, is affected by Breast Cancer or just want to learn more, here are a few online resources:

The Black Women’s Health Imperative are the oldest national organization dedicated to solely improving the health and wellbeing of the 21 million Black women and girls living in the USA. You can find out more about them here.

Breastcancer.org is a federally recognized non-profit organization that aims to help women and their loved ones make sense of the complex medical and personal information about breast cancer, so they can make the best decisions about their lives.  

The American Breast Cancer Foundation aims to provide education, access, and financial assistance to aid in the early detection, treatment, and survival of breast cancer for uninsured and underserved individuals regardless of age, race or gender.