Let's be honest ladies, when is the last time that you really looked at your girls? I mean when is the last time that you took a close, intimate look? No, I am not talking about your daughters or your best friends; I am talking about your breasts. If, in reading this, you became even a little squeamish then please read on.
Increasing breast health awareness for Black women is an ongoing challenge that centers around helping Black women to understand their breasts. Knowing one’s breasts—what they look like, how they feel, and their shape are critical first steps in being aware of one's own breast health.
By understanding the idiosyncrasies of one’s breasts, there is a greater likelihood that you will know if something is wrong or slightly off. This, in turn, can lead to early detection and treatment.
The American Cancer Society notes that: “Finding breast cancer early and getting state-of-the-art cancer treatment are the most important strategies to prevent deaths from breast cancer. Breast cancer that’s found early, when it’s small and has not spread, is easier to treat successfully.
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Getting regular screening tests is the most reliable way to find breast cancer early. The American Cancer Society has screening guidelines for women at average risk of breast cancer, and for those at high risk for breast cancer.”
Because Black women are disproportionately affected by certain types of breast cancer and have higher morbidity rates than some of their peers, we need to be our own best advocates and that starts with being aware and educated. What better way to express love for oneself than to be a champion of your own health and well-being?
I recently had the opportunity to speak with breast health advocate, author of From Survivor to Thriver: A Guide to Engaging and Empowering Women, and President of Pink-4-Ever, Inc., Nadia E. Miller.
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BDO: Tell our readers about Pink-4-Ever and the organization’s mission?
Nadia E. Miller: Pink-4-Ever provides education, outreach, empowerment and support. We also provide mammograms for uninsured or underinsured women and emergency assistance to those who are in active treatment for breast cancer.
BDO: Unfortunately, there is quite a bit of misinformation out there about breast cancer in the Black community. Because of this, what does breast health advocacy look like in 2019?
Nadia E. Miller: It means providing a voice for the voiceless and being persistent and creating interventions for those who lack the awareness and knowledge to move the pendulum forward regarding breast health awareness and breast cancer treatment.
BDO: Why are issues related to breast health awareness of particular importance for Black women?
Nadia E. Miller: Black women are more likely to die from breast cancer then our Caucasian counterparts. We also are diagnosed with more aggressive tumors which makes it difficult to treat. Furthermore, we are more likely to be diagnosed at a later stage.
The lack of medical or physician engagement by Black women creates a barrier for some women to receive important information that can lead to a more proactive approach to their health.
BDO: What are things that Black women need to know as it relates to their breast health?
Nadia E. Miller: Black women should be aware that knowing our family history, having a diet that is balanced and exercise are all very important parts of their breast health. It is also important to know your body and what’s normal for your body; therefore, if an issue arises, you can seek guidance or treatment.
BDO: Lastly, how can we best address breast health disparities in the Black community?
Nadia E. Miller: As a community, we can support the efforts of local and national organizations as well as churches and community centers that provide educational resources and services.
BDO: Thank you, Ms. Miller, for your work, service to others, and insight for our readers.
Remember, proactivity can change the health trajectory for Black women and it all starts with getting familiar with your girls. As Ms. Miller often tells others, “It’s okay to talk about it.”
Here are some resources that can help you learn more about the work that is being done to educate women about the facts, statistics, and ongoing research surrounding breast cancer awareness and Black women.
Tyra Seldon, Ph.D. is a former English professor turned writer, editor and small business owner. Passionate about the English language and the craft of storytelling, she launched Seldon Writing Group, LLC in 2011. Dr. Seldon has worked with education tech companies, celebrities, aspiring writers, entrepreneurs, media outlets, Fortune 500 companies, and government agencies to develop their written content. When she’s not writing, she’s traveling the world, one continent at a time. She can be reached at [email protected]
FB: @seldonwriting
IG: @tyraseldon
Resources
www.cancer.org
www.pink-4-ever.org
www.redalianceindy.org
www.cancersupport.com
