HERC

African-American Breast Cancer Fact Sheet

The good news is that since 1989, deaths from breast cancer for all women are down by 5% However, the death rate remains disproportionately high for African American Women Even though less black women get the disease, twice as many die from breast cancer than do Caucasian women.

One of the primary, reasons for this is simply that breast cancer is being detected in it’s later, less treatable stages among black women A breast cancer diagnosis does not have to be a death sentence.

When caught early, breast cancer is highly treatable Please consider some of the disturbing facts below and remember, early detection is the best detection.

Incidence

  • For all ages combined, breast cancer incidence rates for Afncan American women are lower than those for Caucasian women. However, among women younger’ than 4 years of age, African American Women are about as likely to develop breast cancer as Caucasians
  • Between 1973 and 1984, breast cancer incidence rates increased over 45% in African American women
  • Breast cancer is the most common cancer in African American women

Mortality/Death Rate

  • Breast cancer as the second leading cause of cancer death in African American women (second only to lung cancer) ‘
  • African American women are twice as likely to die from breast cancer than Caucasian women
  • Death rates for breast cancer in African-American women increased 36% between 1960-1962 and 1990­1992, and are continuing to increase despite a noticeable decrease in corresponding rates for Caucasian women

Symptoms

  • Early breast cancer usually does not cause pain. You should see a doctor if you notice any of these changes:
  •  A lump or thickening in or near the breast or in the underarm area
  •  A change in the size or shape of the breast
  •  A discharge from the nipple area
  •  A change in the color or feel of the skin of the breast, areola, or nipple (dimpled, puckered, or scaly)

Guidelines for Early Detection

  •  Breast Self Examination: Women age 20 and above should check their breasts for lumps every month. Ask representative or call number listed below for brochure which illustrates the correct way to perform a self breast exam.
  •  Clinical Breast Exam: Women should have their breasts examined for lumps by a doctor every 3 years from age 20 thru 39, and every year after age 40.
  •  Mammogram: It has been proven that more lives will be saved if women in their 40’s get mammograms every year. Mammography is the best way to find cancers early when they are most treatable.