Risk Factors: African Americans
African American women are more likely than all other women to die from breast cancer. Tumors are found at a later, more advanced, stage so there are fewer treatment options. Some reasons for this may include not being able to get health care or not following-up after getting abnormal test results. Other reasons may include distrust of the health care system, the belief that mammograms are not needed, or not having insurance.
We do not know how to prevent breast cancer. But there are things you can do to reduce your risk, such as keeping a healthy weight and limiting how much alcohol you drink.
There are things you can do to find breast cancer early:
Educate yourself on the risk factors of breast cancer and make lifestyle changes if necessary.
Practice monthly breast self exams (BSE). Remember you do not perform BSE’s to find breast cancer. You do it to familiarize yourself with your breasts so that any change can be brought to the attention of your medical provider and he or she can perform a clinical breast exam (CBE).
Get a mammogram every year once you turn 40.
Most insurances pay for these screenings. If you are not insured or your insurance doesn’t cover the cost, we can help.