Breast cancer is the most common cancer among African-American women. It is also the second leading cause of cancer deaths among African-American women.
Unfortunately, in recent years you have heard about friends and family who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. The breast cancer incidence in Black women is lower than in white women. However, for women younger than 45, the incidence rate is higher among Black women than white women. It is very important that we practice good breast health.
1. Self Breast Exam
Self breast exam is one of the ways to prevent breast cancer. When you begin menstruating it is recommended that one-week after your period you do a self-breast exam. This is necessary so that you can familiarize yourself with your breasts and know which lumps and bumps are normal for your breasts.
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It is recommended one week after your cycle because that is usually the same time every month and your breasts sometimes have different changes during your cycle. This ensures that your breasts are normal and the same around this time every month. The best places to check your breasts are in the shower or lying down on your bed or the floor. Also, do not forget to check the tissue under your armpit as many breast cancers are found there as well.
2. Clinical Breast Exam
A physical examination of your breasts by a doctor, nurse practitioner, nurse, or other health professional is known as a Clinical Breast Examination. This is a thorough examination of the entire breast and chest areas, including the areas above and below the collarbone and under each arm. The health care professional can teach you the correct techniques for performing your own self-breast examination. This is another reason why it is so absolutely necessary for you to have your annual exam ANNUALLY.
3. Screening Mammography
I recommend that you have a baseline mammogram around 35 years old. Not all physicians agree with that but some physicians err on the side of caution. Most insurance companies will completely cover a baseline mammogram.
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If you have a family history of breast cancer you may need to have your first mammogram between 30 and 35 years old. Otherwise, you need to have your mammogram annually starting at 40 years old. A mammogram is one moment of discomfort that could save your life.
Ways To Prevent Breast Cancer & Other Cancers
Breast health is important but there are some things that we can do to help prevent cancer. Here are 7 tips that will hopefully help you stay cancer-free.
1. Just Say "No" To Tobacco
Everyone already knows that smoking can cause lung cancer. But did you know that secondhand smoke causes thousands of deaths due to lung cancer every year?
2. Let’s Move!
The First Lady started this campaign and not only is it a great way to assist in weight management it is equally as important to prevent cancer. It is recommended that you do 20 minutes a day of moderate aerobic activity and 10 minutes a day of vigorous aerobic activity. If you can do more than this that is even better.
3. Protect Your Skin
Yes, black people can get skin cancer, I know this comes as a surprise. Make certain you wear sunscreen when you will be outside in the sun.
4. Get Your Shots
Get immunized to prevent certain types of cancer. Hepatitis B has been linked to liver cancer. Make certain you keep your immunizations up-to-date.
5. Avoid Risky Behaviors
Practice safe sex by limiting your number of partners and using condoms. Some of the sexually transmitted infections can lead to a higher risk of different types of cancer. Do not share needles because of the high incidence of Hepatitis B, C, and HIV, which all can lead to increase risk of liver cancer. If you have a drug problem seek help to stop.
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6. Visit the Doctor Regularly
Regular doctor visits will allow you to receive regular screening for various types of cancer. When cancer is caught early you increase your odds of curing your condition. Also, your doctor can help you to develop a plan to stay healthy.
7. Eat Right
Eating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and beans will help you reduce your cancer risk. Fiber is especially important when preventing colon cancer. Obesity can increase your risk of cancer so try not to eat too many high-fat foods.
Please remind your girlfriends, sisters, mothers, aunts, grandmothers, godmothers to check their breasts and get their mammograms. We need to decrease the number of black women dying of breast cancer. There are several ways to get a mammogram if you do not have insurance, so if you or someone you know have found a lump and do not have access to insurance, look for the nearest Mammo-van or mobile mammogram program.
Here are some resources for free mammograms:
Metropolitan Chicago Breast Cancer Task Force
Illinois Department of Public Health
If you have any more questions on how to prevent breast cancer, do not hesitate to Ask Dr. Renee.
Dr. Renee Matthews is the social media doctor, prescribing remedies to help you to live the life you deserve. She has appeared on television shows such as, The Oprah Winfrey Show and TVOne’s NewsOne Now with Roland Martin where she discussed different health topics. She started her media career with her own radio show on SiriusXM/ReachMD, a programming source for health professionals. In addition, Dr. Renee has been a featured medical correspondent on SiriusXM’s Sway in the Morning and Café Mocha Radio with Loni Love and YoYo (syndicated radio show).
Dr. Renee hosts The Ask Dr. Renee Show, a weekly YouTube show to motivate and inspire viewers to “Live the life they deserve”. Dr. Renee is also the host of Out of Office with Dr. Renee which is apart of Outcome Health and seen in 45,0000+ doctors offices across the US. She is a regular correspondent for HuffPostLive.com and a regular writer for Good Enough Mother, and DiaryofaFirstTimeMom. Dr. Renee has been a contributing health writer for MadameNoire.com, BlackandMarriedwithKids.com, BlackDoctor.org, DiaryofaFirstTimemom.com and GoodEnoughMother.com. She is also a sought after speaker for various health organizations and schools. In addition to writing about health, Dr. Renee is a social media coach, conducts speaking engagements on social media, branding, motivation, and becoming an entrepreneur. Visit her at Ask Dr. Renee.
