Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is the most feared cancer of women. Black women get breast less information and as a result they have a higher mortality and survival rate. The highest peak level for Breast cancer starts at age 75, but Breast cancer can be seen as young as age 30. In general, the number of cases reported declined between 1990 and 2002 for both black and white women, but the drop was less for African American women. The self breast exam still has a place in early detection but the mammogram has been one of the major reasons for the overall decline of this cancer. I am still amazed at the number of African American women who have the means and the appropriate information who still take this cancer likely. African American women with a family history (mother, sister, aunt) should be very aggressive about early detection. Talk with your health provide about early detection. Talk with family members to find out if there is a family history of breast cancer. If you find a breast mass on self examination get it checked out immediately. Your first mammogram should be done at age 35 then annually starting at age 40. Mammograms are often free so check around if cost is an issue. I am Dr. Thaddeus John Bell closing the gap in healthcare.