Exploring the Growth of Breast Cancer Among African American

Women

Breast cancer develops as an abnormal growth of cells

accumulate within the breast. Recent studies have proven that White

women have a higher risk of developing breast cancer than African

American women, yet we as African American women are at a higher

risk of dying from the disease. There is however, one possible link to

the higher mortality rate in breast cancer among Black women. We as

African Americans tend to stray from the healthcare setting. This

could be due to insufficient funds, lack of knowledge, and, or desire to

receive medical attention. Many times when a problem such as breast

cancer arises, the cancer isn’t tactfully presented to the healthcare

provider. Breast cancer must be detected early so medical attention

could be provided as soon as possible. Delayed treatment and

unhealthy dietary habits, such as obesity, and high fat content -noticed

in Black women especially, tend to increase the risk of developing

breast cancer. An annual mammogram should be performed for

women over forty. Every woman however, should perform a monthly

self-examination of the breast. Breast cancer strikes one in eight

women, and should be taken very seriously.

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