Why is breast cancer more common among black women? Lessons we can learn (Breast Cancer)

Have you ever thought that breast cancer doesn't affect everyone the same? In fact, some women are more likely to get the disease, and the types of cancer they develop can be more severe. Today we are talking about a special case like this. That is, the relationship between black women in countries like America and breast cancer. This is a topic that teaches you, me, and every woman in our country very valuable lessons about taking care of their health.

Why are we talking about this specifically?

For a long time, lung cancer was the leading cause of cancer death among black women. But in 2019, that changed, and breast cancer has now taken over. This shows the seriousness of this disease. Studies show that these women:

• There is a higher chance of developing breast cancer before the age of 40.
• There is a higher risk of developing aggressive, rapidly spreading types of cancer .
• Obesity and other health problems (such as diabetes and heart disease) are becoming more common.
• When the disease is diagnosed, it is often at an advanced stage where it has spread to other parts of the body (metastatic) .

This information is not to scare us, but to educate us. Because some of these risk factors are also seen in our society, it is important for everyone to be aware of this.

The most common types of malignant tumors

There are two types of cancer that are particularly common and fast-growing among black women. It's important to be aware of these because any woman can develop them.

The severity of TNBC cancer

TNBC is a serious condition for anyone. Survival rates vary depending on the extent of the disease when it is diagnosed.

• If the cancer is localized to the breast , the 5-year survival rate is about 91%.
• If the cancer has spread to surrounding tissues (regional) , that probability drops to 66%.
• If the cancer has spread to distant organs in the body , the probability is as low as 12%.

Why is the mortality rate higher among some women?

There are several reasons why breast cancer mortality rates are higher among black women. It is important to understand these reasons as they may apply to women in our country to some extent.

• Problems with access to healthcare: Early detection of the disease may be delayed due to factors such as distance to good hospitals, cost of treatment, and lack of access to modern facilities such as mammogram machines.
• Other health problems: Conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and obesity increase the risk of breast cancer . That's why it's important to control these conditions.
• Not breastfeeding: Research has shown that breastfeeding can reduce the risk of some types of breast cancer. Breastfeeding is especially recommended for at least one year.

Is there a link between hair products and cancer?

This is a problem for many people. Products such as hair relaxers, skin creams, and makeup may contain chemicals called parabens . These are used to preserve products.

Parabens have the ability to weakly mimic the hormone estrogen in our bodies. Estrogen acts as a fuel for the growth of some breast cancer cells.

Research on this is still ongoing. One study showed that parabens affected the growth of cancer cells in black women, but not in white women. But other studies say that this link has not yet been definitively proven.

Common symptoms of breast cancer

These symptoms can occur in any woman, at any age. If you notice one or more of these, don't panic and see a doctor immediately.

• A new lump in the breast or armpit.
• Swelling of the breast, either completely or partially.
• The skin of the breast looks like the surface of an orange peel .
• Pain in the breast or nipple.
• The nipple becomes inverted or discharge comes out of it.
• Swollen lymph nodes near the collarbone or in the armpit area.

Especially remember: Inflammatory Breast Cancer, the breast may become red, swollen, and feel warm. If these symptoms appear suddenly, see a doctor without delay.

How to detect cancer early?

The earlier it is detected, the more successful the treatment. These are the main methods available.

• Mammograms: This is an X-ray of the breasts. It is usually recommended after age 40 to prevent cancer deaths. If someone in your family has had cancer, your doctor may recommend this test even earlier.
• Genetic testing: About 5%-10% of breast cancers are caused by inherited genes (such as `BRCA1`, `BRCA2`). If someone in your family has had breast cancer or ovarian cancer, you can talk to your doctor about this and find out if genetic testing is necessary.

Can the risk be reduced?

Getting cancer is never your fault. However, we can reduce our risk by maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

• Eat a balanced diet low in starch and rich in vegetables and fruits.
• Maintain a healthy weight .
• Limit alcohol consumption.
• Exercise daily.
• Avoid smoking completely. Talk to your doctor if you need help with this.