other types of breast cancer. Black women are more than twice as likely to have a diagnosis of TNBC as white women and have higher mortality rates.
Black women and girls, it is crucial to know how your normal breasts look and feel. See a licensed medical provider immediately if you notice or experience any of the symptoms below. If you are over 40 or have a family history of breast cancer, GET YOUR MAMMOGRAMS!
Symptoms of Breast Cancer
- Thickening or swelling of all or part of the breast
- New lump in the breast or underarm
- Irritation or dimpling of breast skin
- Breast or nipple pain
- Nipple or breast irritation
- Nipple discharge
- Nipple retraction (going inward)
- Redness or flaky skin in the nipple area or breast
Check Those Tatas, How to Do a Breast Self-Exam
Using your left hand, move the pads of three fingers around your right breast. Be sure to use different pressure levels while checking the entire breast for any new lumps, hardened knots, or any new changes. Check your nipples for any changes and squeeze them to check for discharge.
Closing
To anyone with breast cancer or who has loved someone with breast cancer, you have my heart. Throughout this fight, you are never alone. So many women are praying for and holding you up as you fight this arduous battle. I hope you are surrounded by unwavering love, support, and hope on your darkest days.
Ladies, check those tatas and tell all your girls to check theirs. I need you here for a long time so we can all have a good time. Always put yourself and your healing first. Please take care of yourself always in all ways.
If topics on health and wellness are your thing, be on the lookout for more articles from “SPEAK UP!” interns. If you are or know of any Black college-aged and enrolled women interested in the health and wellness of Black students on HBCU campuses, please visit Save a Girl Save a World for more information.
Resources
Aravia Patterson, MPH is a 27-year-old SAGSAW/SPEAK Up! Intern and Ph.D. Student at the University of Louisville studying Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences.