Insights

Essential facts and resources about breast cancer, with a focus on Black women and women of color. Learn about prevention, treatment, and the disparities impacting our health – because awareness is power.

Breast Cancer Information

The best defense against breast cancer starts with you!

We recommend these steps for early detection.:

Know the risks

Gender
Age
Heredity / Genetic Factors
Long Menstrual Cycles
Never Having Children
Personal History of Ovarian or Breast Cancer
Environmental Factors

Know the warning signs

A lump, hard knot or thickening in the breast
Swelling, redness or increased warmth in the breast
Change in the size or shape of the breast
Itchy, sore or scaling area on the nipple / areola
Sudden nipple discharge (particularly if bloody)
Pulling in of the nipple
Dumpling or puckering of the side of the breast
Unusual pain in the area of the breast

Know the solutions

Monthly breast self examination (BSE)* starting at age 20
Clinical breast examination by a trained medical professional every 2-3 years starting at age 20, and annually starting at age 40.**
Baseline mammogram at age 35, and annual mammogram screening for women starting at age 40.***

Black women are about 40% more likely to die from breast cancer than white women.

(Source: American Cancer Society, 2024)

Black women are often diagnosed at later stages of breast cancer, when it is harder to treat.

(Source: CDC, 2023)

Black women are more likely to be diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer, a more aggressive and harder-to-treat subtype.

(Source: American Cancer Society, 2024)

What are my options?

Please visit these helpful links for more information: