Wellness Guide: Breast Cancer

What You Should Know About Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is the most common cancer occurring in African American women and the second most common cause of death from cancer in women after lung cancer.

• If diagnosed at an early stage, breast cancer has an encouraging cure rate – up to 97% of women diagnosed with localized breast cancer. ¹

• Even though we know all these things, in a study of African American lesbians and women who partner with women done by the Mautner Project, only one out of three practiced monthly breast self examinations (BSE), and only two thirds 60% had had a clinical breast examination during the previous year. Only half of women over 40 had had a mammogram during the past year. ²

A woman’s best chance of surviving breast cancer is early detection through regular self-breast examinations, clinical breast examinations by her provider, and mammography.

The actual cause of breast cancer is not known. Although many factors influence the development of breast cancer, most women with breast cancer have no obvious risk. Some of most common risk factors include:

• Age: The risk of developing breast cancer increases as a woman ages.

• Race: Although white women are more likely to develop breast cancer, black women are more likely to die from the disease. ³

• Personal and Family History: Previous history or breast cancer, a history of endometrial or ovarian cancer, as well as a family history of breast cancer all increase risk of breast cancer.

• Reproductive History and Pregnancy: An early start of menses (before 12 years), late menopause (after 53 years), and women who have their first pregnancy after age 30 or no pregnancy have a higher risk of breast cancer. Many women who partner with women may have a higher risk for cancer because they are more likely to have children later (35 years and older) and/or are less likely to bear children at all.

• Lifestyle Factors: Obesity, lack of exercise and alcohol use (more than one alcoholic drink per day) increases the risk of breast cancer. African American women, including lesbians, are more likely to be overweight to obese than white women. ⁴

 

References:

¹ Ghafoor, A., Jemal, A., Cokkinides, V., Cardinez, C., Murray, T., Samuaels, A., & Thun. (2002). Cancer statistics for African Americans. CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians, 52, 326-341.

² Pearson-Fields, C. B., Gaston, A. M., Fischer, L. (2004). The effect of self-care practices among African American lesbian and bisexual women on breast and cervical cancer screening. Unpublished data.

³ Clegg, L. X., Li, F., Hankey, B. F., Chu, K., & Edwards, B. K. (2002). Cancer survival among US whites and minorities: A SEER program population-based study. Archives of Internal Medicine, 62, 1985-1993. National Health and

⁴ Nutritional Examination Survey III.

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