One of the people who responded to my request for guest posts was my Twitter friend Maurice. Maurice works as a radiation therapist and has provided a really great post about the impact that breast cancer has on the black community, and ways that people can be proactive about their health regarding breast cancer.
His post really is like a love letter to all of us who have been through this or who are concerned about it. (Which should be all of us)
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Breast Cancer in Black America
Although, we (African Americans) are a quite resilient race--we love our culture, our family, and our heritage but sadly, not our bodies. We willingly ignore health related tell- tell signs. Age specific diagnostic exams are often waved off. They are thought to be more of a hassle rather than help. Many think if we are feeling fine there is no need to have a mammogram or other recommended exams. And even sadder yet, we fear if you seek you SHALL find. The fact of the matter is that African Americans have the highest cancer rates of all racial ethnicities, yet we feel less at risk.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), cancer is currently the second leading cause of death in the United States following Heart Disease. With that said, my sistas, please, listen:
Wake up! Wake up and take control of your health, your beauty and of course, your life. You all are and will forever be the backbone of the Black man and our culture. Without you we would cease to exist! Cancer is a very serious deal and of course very frightening. Most equate the feeling of receiving the bad news with that of being punched in the stomach multiple times. You are flooded with emotions and immediately feel it is a death sentence. Fortunately, this is not the case in very many instances. Yep, most cases are highly curable.
The first step is detection. Early detection in all forms of cancer is the key. Every young lady should perform a self breast exam monthly. Usually two to three days after your menstrual cycle. Dr M. Punukollu describes how to successfully perform this exam below.
Stand in front of a mirror with your upper body unclothed and pressing both hands behind your head.
Look for changes in the shape and size of your breasts.
Check for dimples of the skin or "pulling in" of the nipples.
Check for scaling or a rash on your beasts and nipples.
Next, place your hands on your hips and press firmly inward, tightening your chest muscles, while looking at your breasts for any change in their usual appearance. Perform leaning slightly forward and again while standing upright.
How should I feel my breasts?
In fact, there are three different methods that can be used, all equally effective. It is important that you choose the method that you are most comfortable with and use the same method each month.
Circular method
Use the hand opposite the breast you are examining, beginning at the outermost top of your breast.
Press the flat portions of the second, third and fourth fingertips into your breast.
Move in small circles slowly around your breast, working toward the nipple.
Press gently to feel tissues under the skin and more firmly to feel deep tissues.
Cover all areas of the breast.
Repeat for the opposite breast.
"Wheel Spokes" Method
Imagine your breast is divided into sections, like spokes dividing a wheel.
Begin at the outermost top of the breast.
Press the flat portions of the fingertips into your left breast, moving first toward the nipple, then away from the nipple.
When you complete that section, slide your fingers slightly to the next area and repeat the process, gradually moving around your entire breast.
Repeat for your opposite breast.
Grid Method
Begin at the innermost portion of the breast, near the breastbone.
With the flat portions of the fingertips, move down your breast, pressing firmly and gently.
Slide your fingers slightly and move up your breast, then down, and so forth until the entire breast area has been examined.
Repeat for the opposite breast.
Lying down
Masses in the lower part of the breast may be more easily felt lying down.
To examine your left breast, lie flat on your back with a pillow or folded towel under your left shoulder.
Raise your left arm over your head.
Use the flat portions of the second, third and fourth fingertips of your right hand to examine your left breast with one of the above methods.
Press gently to feel tissues under the skin and then more firmly for deep tissues.
Repeat for the right breast.
Standing up
Masses in the upper part of the breast are easier to detect while standing upright.
Place your left hand behind your head, and with the flat portions of the second, third and fourth fingertips of the right hand, examine your entire left breast by one of the methods described.
Repeat for your right breast.
Nipple area
Gently squeeze your left nipple between your right index finger and thumb and look for any discharge.
Repeat for right nipple.
Additional areas
Check the area between the upper outer breast and your armpit, as well as the armpit itself.
Check the area just above your collarbones for enlarged lymph nodes.
Another early detection tool is having a mammogram performed annually beginning at age 40. However, if you have a family member with a history of breast cancer or any other form of cancer I would advise having it done sooner. Please consult with your primary care physician about your specific case.
According to Science Daily ( Mar 22 2009)
African Americans have a shorter life expectancy than whites, and cancer plays a major role in this disparity. African Americans are more prone to get cancer; they tend to present at a later, deadlier stage; and they have poorer survival rates after diagnosis
What the heck IS this?! Seriously!!! We are much smarter than this! Take the first step. Get the exams done, get informed. Read, black people! Tell your mothers, your grandmothers, your sisters and even your brothers and fathers. Yes, that’s right. There is one percent breast cancer prevalence in men. Studies show that black men are more likely to die from breast cancer than our white counterparts.
This disease is not the end. Yes, there are many facets and disparities that come with it but YOU CAN FIGHT. There many black women living happy, healthy and successful lives post breast cancer battles. Take control!
I tell my patients that wellness begins with mental wellness. A positive and optimistic attitude can move mountains… let that marinate.
For more information you can visit the American Cancer Society website.
http://www.cancer.org/About the writer:
Maurice Terrial Judkins BSRT (T) is a Radiation Therapist with over ten years experience. He is certified with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists and holds a B.S. Degree in Radiologic Sciences.
You may follow him on twitter @sdotslim
