by (Black PR Wire)
Miami, FL – October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month and though all women can be affected by breast cancer, Black women continue to have a higher death rate. The incomparable Karen E. Jackson, Founder and CEO of Sister’s Network Inc., joined the Thrivin’ in Color podcast for an information packed discussion on the significance of early breast cancer screenings along with the indicators and signs women should be aware of.
In this episode, Karen engages in an intriguing conversation with podcast host Camry Brown about the breast cancer disparities Black women encounter while sharing her own experiences as a four-time breast cancer survivor. She also provides insight on how Sisters Network Inc. advocates and aids women in their breast cancer journey. “Karen is such a gem who is passionate about the work she is doing,” said Camry. “Women, especially Black women, will be enlightened after hearing this episode.”
Karen E. Jackson founded Sisters Network Inc. almost 30 years ago. Today, SNI is the largest and only national Black breast cancer survivorship organization in the United States and a leading voice in the fight against breast cancer in the Black community. Sisters Network Inc. National headquarters is in Houston, Texas and has over 25 survivor-run affiliate chapters nationwide.
You can find a list of key questions to ask your doctor on the Sisters Network Inc. site.
Breast Cancer is the Most Imperative Health Issue Facing African American Women!
List of Breast Cancer Facts
Though Black women get breast cancer at a slightly lower incidence rate (3%) than white women, Black women are 42% more like to DIE of breast cancer than white women. That is an astounding number and indicative of a variety of factors, many reflecting racial disparities.
Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among black women, and an estimated 33,840 new cases are expected to be diagnosed in 2019. An estimated 6,540 deaths from breast cancer are expected to occur among black women in 2019.
Women do not need to DIE from breast cancer. It can’t be prevented but early stage breast cancer (meaning it has been localized within the breast) has a 99% 5 year survival rate. Note the inequity here: the overall 5-year relative survival rate for breast cancer diagnosed is 80% for black women versus 91% for white women. And, 52% of breast cancers in black women are diagnosed at a local stage, compared to 63% in white women.
To add more fuel to the fire, Black women under age 40 have higher rates of breast cancer when compared to white women. Black women under age 35 get breast cancer at two times the rate of white women and DIE from breast cancer three times as often as white women.
The overall 5-year relative survival rate for breast cancers diagnosed in 2008-2014 was 81% for black women compared to 91% for white women. This difference can be attributed to both more advanced stage at detection and poorer stage-specific survival among black women. Only 54% of breast cancers in black women are diagnosed at a local stage, compared to 64% in white women.
So what’s the problem? Why are Black women dying unnecessarily?
Higher death rates among Black women reflect the following:
- 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.
- Black Women are often at a more advanced stage upon detection.
- Black women may not have access to health care or health insurance so may have lower frequency of longer intervals between mammograms.
- Because they may not have insurance, Black women may not follow up on abnormal mammogram results because they can’t afford the diagnostic testing.
- Black women don’t get the same prompt high quality treatment compared to white women.
- 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.
*AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY: CANCER FACTS AND FIGURES 2019
Black PR Wire’s Thrivin’ in Color podcast gives Black and Brown advocates and leaders a platform through which they may support and empower our community. Tune in to Thrivin’ in Color on all major podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
About Thrivin’ in Color
Thrivin’ In Color is a podcast produced by Black PR Wire, featuring interviews with remarkable sistas and brothas from across the country who are doing extraordinary things in today’s society. Thrivin’ In Color takes us behind the scenes of their world, where we meet with them and pick up some golden nuggets for success. Thrivin’ In Color podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and all of your favorite podcast services.
About Black PR Wire
Black PR Wire is the nation’s first and largest online Black newswire distribution company and is a powerful leader in effective news delivery services. With a comprehensive database and listing of over 1,200 Black (African American, Caribbean and Haitian) organizations and media, Black PR Wire posts and distributes print, audio, video, and creative news and information to Black media, influencers, faith- based groups and prominent community organizations throughout the U.S. and the Caribbean.
Services can be purchased online anytime, anywhere 24/7; or by simply calling our newsroom at 1-877-BLACKPR. Have some news to share? Or want to know what’s happening in your community? Then connect with Black PR Wire, like, share and visit us @BlackPRWire, and make Black PR Wire your online source for Black News! For more information on Black PR Wire and Thrivin’ in Color, call 1-877-BLACKPR or visit the website at blackprwire.com.
