Breast Cancer Is More Advanced in Black women than White women even in England!
Breast cancer is one health problem usually associated with women today in the whole world. It is more advanced in black women than white women. According to new assessment by Cancer Research UK and public Health England, black women, are twice most likely to be diagnosed with advanced breast cancer as white women, in England.
According to analysis, the disease late stage is found to be 13% in white women, while 25% of black Africa, and found in about 22% of black Carribean breast cancer patients.
THis high percentage in black women has been associated to so many reason. And according to cancer Research UK, white women are more likely to attend mammogram when invited by the NHS than black women would do. One other important reason is low awareness and screening. And detecting breast cancer earlier is very important because it the sooner it is spotted and treated, the better.
In Leeds, a Support group helps black African Caribbean women who have had breast cancer or even have loved ones with the problem.
According to report by BBC, a said “A lot of us black people bury our head in the sand. Oh me, well, I don’t need to go, there’s nothing wrong with me.
Another even said “I find a lot of people, they’ll find out something is wrong but they keep it to themselves and they’re praying. They’re praying that God will heal them”.
BME Cancer Voice Worker, Healther Nelson, said “Women, especially women of color are less likely to go for screening.
You’ll get leaflets through your door and they will be predominantly of white, middle-class women. There’s no representation of South Asian, African descent et cetera.
If you get information like that, you’re going to look and , ‘That’s not about me.”
Data collected in 2012-13 shows that most breast cancers are still diagnosed at an early stage, across all ethnic groups.
One Dr Julie of Cancer Research UK, said “if you notice something that isn’t normal for you, you’ve a symptom that’s not gone away or has got worse, getting it checked out promptly could save your life.
It is very much advised that women go for check once they feel or notice any change in their breast; such changes as nipple discharge, lumps or even skin changes. However, it should be known that lumps are not the only possible symptom of cancer. Women are advised to always attend Breast Screening. All women aged 50-70 are offered mammogram – breast screening. Although, NHS is in process of extending the program as a trial offering screening to some women aged 47-73.
Breast Cancer is a serious health challenge and should not be taken for granted. Rather extra care and caution should be taken to monitor and observe the problem while at early stage, as it is easier to treat it at the early stage than late stage.
