Memphis Chapter
Breast Cancer Facts
Sisters Network Memphis Chapter
Awareness Journey
What is Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the breast.
Facts About Breast Cancer
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Black women are 42% more like to die of breast cancer than white women.
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Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among black women, and an estimated 33,840 new cases were expected to be diagnosed in 2019.
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Black women under age 40 have higher rates of breast cancer when compared to white women.
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Only 54% of breast cancers in black women are diagnosed at a local stage, compared to 64% in white women.
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This year, an estimated 41,760 women will die from breast cancer in the U.S.
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An estimated 2,670 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year in the United States and approximately 500 will die.
Why are Black women dying unnecessarily?
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Black women are not taking action. While 92% of black women agree breast health is important, only 25% have recently discussed breast health with their family, friends, or colleagues. And, only 17% have taken steps to understand their risk for breast cancer.
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Black Women are often at a more advanced stage upon detection.
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Black women may not have access to health care or health insurance so may have lower frequency of longer intervals between mammograms.
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Because they may not have insurance, Black women may not follow up on abnormal mammogram results because they can’t afford the diagnostic testing.
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Black women don’t get the same prompt high quality treatment compared to white women.
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Black women have the highest odds (2 times more likely) of getting Triple Negative Breast Cancer, a kind of breast cancer that often is aggressive and comes back after treatment. It has the highest mortality rate and is the only breast cancer sub-type that does not have a therapy to prevent recurrence. Note that younger women and women diagnosed at later stages are more likely to get Triple Negative Breast Cancer.
Prevention & Early Detection
Potentially modifiable factors that increase breast cancer risk include weight gain after the age of 18 and/or being overweight or obese (for postmenopausal breast cancer); menopausal hormone therapy (combined estrogen and progestin); alcohol consumption; and physical inactivity. There is growing evidence that high consumption of non-starchy vegetables may be associated with lower risk for hormone receptor-negative breast cancers. Screening mammography can detect breast cancer at an early stage, when treatment is usually less extensive and more likely to be successful.
