What cancer types disproportionately affect Black communities and why
Cancer continues to affect Black people at disproportionately high rates, not because of biology alone, but because of long‑standing barriers to care, delayed access to routine screenings and systemic inequities that have shaped health outcomes for generations. Here’s a look at the cancer challenges facing Black communities and what steps you can take to detect cancer early.
What cancer types disproportionately impact Black communities?
जबकि स्तन कैंसर incidence rates are higher in white people, studies show higher breast cancer death rates in Black women, who are also more likely to get diagnosed with breast cancer in later stages. Know the signs and symptoms of breast cancer, and beginning at 40, schedule a mammogram every year to get screened.
Black men have the highest incidence rate of प्रोस्टेट कैंसर—they are 70% more likely to be diagnosed than white or Hispanic men. Black men are also twice as likely to die from prostate cancer than white men. If you are Black or if you have a close relative (parent, child or sibling) who had prostate cancer before age 65, start talking with your doctor about स्क्रीनिंग for prostate cancer at age 45.
और अधिक पढ़ें | Should I get screened for prostate cancer?
Black people are at increased risk for colorectal cancer, and may need to start regular screening at an earlier age and/or be screened more often than those at average risk. To find out all of the recommended screening options available for colorectal cancer (some can even be done from the comfort of your home), talk to your doctor and find out what works best for you.
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Why are Black communities impacted differently?
Historically, Black communities have endured barriers to health care and access to routine cancer screenings. This is especially true for rural communities where transportation and providers can be limited. Insurance also has played a major role in decreased access to health care.
Skepticism of the health care space has often been a deterrent for Black communities to get the preventive care they need. This long-standing mistrust continues to impact how Black people navigate the health care system today. For example, Black people face higher rates of human papillomavirus (HPV)-related cancers because of low vaccination rates and access to screenings and other preventive care. Having conversations about how the HPV vaccine is a safe and effective way to help prevent cancer is an important step everyone can take to protect themselves and their loved ones.
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What prevention steps you can take
Regardless of age, race or gender, routine cancer screenings are the best way to detect cancer early. Even if you are not experiencing signs or symptoms, it’s important to stay up to date to give yourself the best chance for improved outcomes.
Talk with your health care provider to decide which cancer screenings you need, when to begin screening and how often you should be screened. Knowing your पारिवारिक स्वास्थ्य इतिहास can be very important when it comes to preventing cancer, but since only 5-10% of cancers are hereditary, you should still get screened. You can even bring them your own personalized cancer screening plan to help get the conversation started.
If cost is a barrier, there are a variety of resources available to help you locate free and low-cost medical care in your local community if you do not have health insurance. You can also contact your local hospital or health care facility to ask if they offer routine cancer screening, testing and vaccination through their foundations or outreach programs.
Some of the best ways to prevent cancer are lifestyle related. Drinking alcohol and consuming large amounts of red and processed meats are proven to increase your colorectal cancer risk. Instead, try eating a plant-based diet.
Tobacco use, alcohol and obesity have been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer as well. Make sure to get regular exercise and maintain a healthy weight so you can live a healthier life.
Black History Month is a time to honor the strength, leadership and contributions of Black communities—and it’s also an opportunity to shine a light on the ongoing work needed to achieve health equity.