Breast Cancer in Women of Color Q&A

Are the statistics for breast cancer different for black women?

Yes. Statistics reveal that while all women are at risk of developing breast cancer, and white women are slightly more likely than black women to develop breast cancer, black women are more likely to die of breast cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute, breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths among black women.

What accounts for this alarming statistic?

It is a known fact that social, cultural and belief factors play a large part in this difference in the races. Black women are more likely to have been brought up with misinformation about breast cancer and its treatment being passed down from their mothers and grandmothers. They are also less likely to have access to health care and medical insurance and to be diagnosed and treated later. Additionally, in the past, many black women have not associated breast cancer with themselves, due in part to the media's focus on white women. There is a concerted effort to include images of black women in current breast cancer media campaigns and in current literature about the disease.

Is anything being done to educate black women about breast cancer detection and prevention?

There are many organizations that are dedicated to raising the awareness of breast cancer among black women, based in large cities as well as in rural communities. The Breast Examination Center of Harlem, the Philadelphia Black Women's Health Project and the Indianapolis Breast Center are a few such organizations. They offer education, support and, in some cases, free examinations and mammograms. The state of North Carolina has an outreach program focusing on older black women called Sister to Sister. Rise Sisters Rise in Harlem was one of the first support groups for black women who have had breast cancer.