Damita Miller-Shanklin, Ujima Writer

As we observe Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it’s essential to highlight the disparities Black women face when it comes to this disease. Although Black women are diagnosed with breast cancer at a slightly lower rate than white women, they are 40% more likely to die from it. This clear contrast is a call to action for increased awareness and education within our community.

The higher mortality rate among Black women is upsetting. Despite medical advances, Black women face more severe outcomes, often due to late-stage diagnoses. By the time many Black women are diagnosed, the cancer is more advanced, limiting treatment options and reducing chances for survival. This is a serious issue that has to be addressed.

Early detection is one of the most critical factors in breast cancer survival. Regular screenings and mammograms save lives by catching cancer in its early stages when it’s more treatable. However, many Black women either lack access to sufficient healthcare or are unaware of the importance of these screenings. Raising awareness about early detection within our communities can help close this gap.

Another concerning factor is that Black women are more likely to develop triple-negative breast cancer—a particularly aggressive form of the disease that is harder to treat and tends to spread faster.  Triple-negative breast cancer is also where the cancer cells don’t have estrogen or progesterone receptors (ER or PR) and also don’t make any or too much of the protein called HER2. (American Cancer Society)

Unfortunately, this form of cancer also has fewer treatment options, making early detection even more crucial.

As a community, we must be proactive. Talk to your family and friends about breast cancer, encourage regular mammograms, and advocate for accessible healthcare options. Together, we can spread awareness and ensure that Black women and men have the information and resources they need to detect breast cancer early and increase their chances of survival.

Breast cancer is a fight we can’t afford to lose. Let’s make early detection a priority, empower our community, and work toward better health outcomes for all Black women.

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