Former MTV VJ Ananda Lewis recently revealed her battle with stage 4 breast cancer, shedding light on the importance of early detection and the critical need for regular health check-ups. As an advocate for health equity and well-being in the African American community, the African American Wellness Project (AAWP) strongly emphasizes the importance of routine screenings and working closely with your healthcare team to detect and manage conditions like breast cancer early on.
Ananda’s story is a powerful reminder that delaying medical care can have serious consequences. Each year, about 310,720 new cases of invasive breast cancer and 56,500 new cases of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) are diagnosed in women across the U.S. Tragically, approximately 42,250 women will die from breast cancer annually. This underscores the need for regular mammograms and self-exams, which are crucial tools in catching breast cancer in its earlier, more treatable stages.
African American women, in particular, face unique risks when it comes to breast cancer, including higher mortality rates due to late-stage diagnoses. Racial and ethnic differences further impact breast cancer outcomes:
- The median age at diagnosis is slightly younger for Black women (60 years) compared to White women (64 years).
- Black women experience the highest death rate from breast cancer, partly due to a higher prevalence of triple-negative breast cancer, which carries a more aggressive prognosis.
- At every age, Black women are more likely to die from breast cancer than women of other racial or ethnic backgrounds.
- White, Asian, and Pacific Islander women are more likely to be diagnosed with localized breast cancer than Black, Hispanic, American Indian, and Alaska Native women.
- Asian and Pacific Islander women, on the other hand, have the lowest death rate from breast cancer.
At AAWP, we urge everyone to be proactive in their health journey by making regular visits to their physician a priority. Early detection can save lives. If diagnosed with breast cancer, it’s equally important to work hand-in-hand with your physician and caregivers to develop a personalized treatment and care plan, ensuring the best possible outcome.
In our fight against breast cancer, knowledge and prevention are powerful tools. Let’s make sure we take action, encourage others to do the same, and create a healthier future for our community.
For more resources and support, visit the African American Wellness Project today. Together, we can take control of our health.
Citation:
“How Common Is Breast Cancer?” American Cancer Society, accessed October 29, 2024. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/breast-cancer/about/how-common-is-breast-cancer.html.
