October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and we’re going Pink! every Friday here at 1230 The Buzz during the month of October to create awareness. Early detection is critical for Black women because it appears in Black women at a younger age (BlackWomen’s Health Imperative) and in more advanced forms. Black women are less likely than white women to get breast cancer but have a higher death rate. The CDC reported that breast cancer was the leading cause of cancer death for Black women aged 45-64 in 2010.
Many women with early breast cancer have no symptons- that is why it is crucial to get screened before symptons appear. The most common sign of breast cancer is a new lump or mass.
Other signs may include:
- swelling of or part of the breast
- skin irritation or dimpling
- pain in the breast or nipple
- thickening of the nipple or breast
- discharge other than breast milk
Don’t forget the monthly self-examination. Remember early detection is key.
For more information log on to http://www.bwhi.org/issues-and-resources/black-women-and-breast-cancer/
