Education is the Best Medicine - Breast Cancer - Still too Silent by George Y. Pearson, PA-C, B.S.

Breast Cancer – Still too Silent - 3

By George Y. Pearson, PA-C, B. S.

They ask themselves: "Why me?" Some women take on a fatalistic view: "Treatment will not work for me!" In the mind and hearts of many African Americans the healthcare system has processed generations of families like cattle in a meat-packing house. They have no positive experiences to fall back on.

Seen through the African American woman's eyes the situation is grim. The woman sees the impact her cancer and death will have by watching her loved ones go before her. This takes an emotional toll. The suffering caused by a cancer death has an emotional and psychological impact on her and her entire family. Most of the time African American women are the sole bread winners as well over 60% of all black children raised by their single or divorced mothers. The added stress takes its toll. The African American breast cancer victim often abandons hope and disconnects - she internalizes the cycle of death and simply accepts it.

African women and their families are often not educated about the advances and new services in the healthcare system. There have been great success rates in the healing of cancer. The field of prevention has greatly lowered the risk factors - particularly through early detection - thanks to availability and promotion of early screening and treatment.

What is needed?

Develop breast cancer medical models that address mental, social, physical and spiritual needs of women of color.
Improved access and reduced health disparities. Health care providers should be culturally competent and address the fears that arise during breast cancer diagnosis.
Utilize existing community forums in church, barber and beauty shops to inform and empower women.
Education and outreach programs that meet women where they will allow partnerships.
Actively recruit more women of color to participate in research, drug trials and studies.

Current screening guidelines suggest self breast exams are just one of the tools in diagnosis of breast cancer. My concern is that even with increased media attention and research these programs fail to reach sufficient numbers of women. The current age to start screening for breast cancer is age 40.

This guideline is an issue for a number of women of color due to genetic and environmental factors that increase their risk for development of breast cancer as early as their late twenties. National guidelines should educate women, their partners and providers.

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