Why African American Women Carry the Breast Cancer Burden

 By Carla Kath, American Cancer Society Regional Communications Director

According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the most common form of cancer among African American women and is the second most common cause of cancer death.

In 2007, an estimated 19,010 new cases of breast cancer are expected to occur among African American women. An estimated 5,830 deaths from breast cancer are also expected.

“Research continues to show that ethnic minorities, as well as other medically underserved groups, have higher rates of cancer, are less likely to be diagnosed early or receive optimal treatment, and have lower survival rates,” said Durado Brooks, M.D., MPH, director of prostate and colorectal cancer for the American Cancer Society.

“Black women are dying at a higher rate from breast cancer,” said Sharon Sade, Patient Education Coordinator at the Kansas City VA Hospital and breast cancer survivor. “This should encourage African American breast cancer survivors to educate their sisters on the importance of mammograms and monthly self-breast exams.”

Some things that contribute to the higher death rates among African American women are differences in access to and use of early detection and treatment, and biological differences caused by race. Lack of adequate health insurance, language and cultural barriers, racial bias and stereotyping are just a few of the other hurdles that many minorities face.

“Unfortunately, for a variety of reasons – including access to quality health care – these population groups have not benefited equally from advances in cancer prevention, early detection and treatment,” said Dr. Brooks.

Sade says that prevention and early detection messaging is crucial in reaching African American women before it’s too late.

“Survivors like me need to be out in the community (churches, organizations, etc.) telling our stories and encouraging screenings.”

To further support the American Cancer Society’s goal to help reduce disparities, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network SM (ACS CAN) is working with Congress to create legislation to help increase access to quality cancer screenings and treatments for ethnic minorities and the medically underserved.

Increasing funds for the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program, and establishing a federal colorectal cancer prevention, early detection and treatment program, are high priorities for ACS CAN. Other efforts include working with Congress to secure funding for the National Center on Minority Health and Health Disparities,and to provide resources needed to implement the Patient Navigator, Outreach and Chronic Disease Program passed in 2005, which will also improve access to quality care and health outcomes.

For more information, please visit the American Cancer Society on the Web at www.cancer.org or call 1-800-ACS-2345.

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