Black Women Are More Likely to Develop Breast Cancer

Recent research suggests that black women have a higher risk of developing breast cancer compared to white women, especially in the late stages of the disease.

More precisely, black women are twice more likely to develop this life-threatening condition, based on the most recent survey conducted by Public Health England and Cancer Research UK. According to the study findings, 22 percent of black Caribbean females and 25 percent of black African women had 3^rd and 4^th stage breast cancer.

By comparison, just 13 percent of white British women have this condition. It is worth mentioning that this the first time a group of experts accounts for ethnicity and race as possible factors influencing the onset of this disease in the United Kingdom.

Although the scientists haven’t found a cause-and-effect link between ethnicity, race, and breast cancer, some evidence can be found in symptomatology, tumor biology, and screening procedures.

After this study, the researchers intend to raise awareness across the U.K., so that women should start taking care of themselves more. The public health officials underline that although all forms of cancer require the same attention, the numbers of breast cancer-related deaths can be significantly reduced if this disease is caught in its early stages.

According to the specialists, women should perform monthly breast self-exams and inform their doctors about any changes which might occur in their breasts, such as lumps. Also, any nipple discharge is a sign that something is not right, and that you should consult your physician as soon as possible.

The standard procedure includes screenings for younger women once a year, whereas those over 40 must go for a mammogram once at every 24 months. Furthermore, skin discoloration can be considered among the warning signs.

According to Dr. Jodie Moffat, the head of early diagnosis from the Cancer Research UK, scientists have collected valuable data regarding the development of breast cancer in recent years. Thanks to the latest study related to the prevalence of this disease among black females, doctors can now inform patients about the risks.

Experts stress that they need to continue their investigation to find out more about the diagnosis differences between white and black women. If their efforts pay off, breast cancer will be easily prevented and diagnosed in its early stages across the UK.

Image Source: Cancer Frontline