Carol’s Cancer Prevention Corner

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month….

While Black and white women have similar rates of being diagnosed with breast cancer, Black women have a 40% higher rate of dying from breast cancer.  The incidence is greater among Black women under the age of 50.  The more aggressive types of cancer like triple-negative breast cancer and inflammatory breast cancer can develop at young ages and at late stages.  The symptoms to look for are, lumps, swelling in the breast, lymph nodes or armpit, breast pain and nipple discharge.  Your risk level will determine when you need to start screening.  It is recommended that screenings start at age 40 if you are at average risk.  Because of the likeliness of being diagnosed with aggressive cancers at a younger age, screening is recommended between the ages of 25 and 30.  Speak with your doctor about scheduling annual mammograms and lifestyle changes you might need to make to reduce your risk of a cancer diagnosis.