With the death of former MTV and BET host and on-air personality Ananda Lewis at the age of 52, conversations and questions are starting to arise around the disease that ultimately took her life: breast cancer. It’s questions like these that Black women are asking:
- Did she see the signs?
- Could a diet have helped?
- Why did the cancer come at her so aggressively?
- Is breast cancer attacking Black women younger?
- What can we do differently?
These questions and more can be understood better by knowing the signs and
Breast Cancer Symptoms Unique to Black Women Like Ananda
While the signs and symptoms of breast cancer are generally the same for all women, Black women may experience some differences. They may have a higher risk of developing specific types of breast cancer, and their symptoms might be more severe or advanced at the time of diagnosis.
Triple-Negative Breast Cancer:
Black women are disproportionately affected by triple-negative breast cancer, a more aggressive subtype that can be more difficult to treat.
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Younger Age of Diagnosis:
Black women tend to be diagnosed with breast cancer at a younger age compared to White women.
More Severe Symptoms:
Symptoms may be more pronounced and the disease might be more advanced when diagnosed, making early detection crucial.
Denser Breast Tissue:
Black women may have denser breast tissue, which can make it harder to detect breast cancer through mammograms.
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Skin Discoloration:
Mayo Clinic notes that skin discoloration on the breast might be more pronounced or appear as red or purple in Black women.
Inflammatory Breast Cancer: Why Black Women Should Look for It
Experts at the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center shared IBC symptoms, raising awareness about this aggressive and deadly type of breast cancer, which occurs more frequently in Black women younger than 40 and women who are obese or overweight.
IBC Symptoms
The symptoms of inflammatory breast cancer are similar to those of a breast infection. They include:
- Areas of discoloration (red, pink or purple), a bruise or rash spread over one-third of your breast.
- Dimpling, pitting or thickening of your breast skin that resembles an orange peel.
- Pain, swelling, itchiness, firmness or tenderness in one breast.
- Warmth, burning, heaviness or enlargement of one breast.
- Inverted or retracted nipple (a nipple that points inward).
- Swollen lymph nodes near your collarbone or under your arm.
“Women should know that radical changes to the breast are not normal, and breast self-exams are still very important. Some 50% of inflammatory breast cancers are diagnosed as stage 4 disease,” says Dr. Ko Un Park, a surgical oncologist who leads a new Inflammatory Breast Cancer Program at the center. “It is important for women to recognize changes in both the appearance and feel of their breasts so that changes can be discussed quickly with a physician.”
Inflammatory breast cancer can occur in any part of the breast. It can even be confusing for doctors who typically don’t think of a red breast as signaling cancer.
RELATED: Breast Self-Exam 101
A “sneaky disease”
“Although inflammatory breast cancer only represents 1% to 5% of all breast cancers in the United States, it is a sneaky disease and challenging to diagnose,” Park said in a cancer center news release. “It is critical that clinicians have a high level of familiarity with its subtle signs and be prepared to take immediate action to avoid belated diagnosis.”
Park and breast radiologist Dr. Amy Kerger are helping lead a team that will triage and rapidly respond to potential inflammatory breast cancer cases. The team is also working with primary care doctors and obstetricians/gynecologists to bring more awareness to this particular form of breast cancer.
“Our goal is to push these patients to the front of the line, rapidly mobilizing a treatment plan so that therapy can begin as soon as possible,” Park said.
When to see a doctor
Most of the symptoms of inflammatory breast cancer develop quickly — within three to six months. These symptoms can spread rapidly so it is important to see a doctor as soon as you notice any alarming symptoms.
You should also see your doctor if you’ve been diagnosed with a breast infection that isn’t responding well to treatment. He or she can get you tested for inflammatory breast cancer. A breast infection, such as mastitis, which typically occurs when you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, can cause some of the same symptoms as inflammatory breast cancer.
Final Words from Ananda
In one of her final interviews on BlackDoctor.org, Ananda had this to say, “I love that I’m so loved… Being alive inspires me. Do you know what the chances are that you shouldn’t’ve made it here? To be in a human body, on this planet, living this life? The joy is in the gratitude. The joy is in waking up every day. Every chance you have to be grateful for today elevates your joy.”
