by Yolanda Whittington
As women, we can be highly self-critical about our bodies as we identify, what we believe are imperfections. When it comes to our breasts, we may complain that they are too small or too big or my personal favorite, that they “droop down too low” and how “they need a lift. Will this be the first thing that comes to mind should you receive a diagnosis of breast cancer?
As we recognize October as “Breast Cancer Awareness” month, let’s delve into the personal impact of being diagnosed with breast cancer. In this article, we will expand our awareness of breast cancer and the importance of early detection for women. We will also explore the impact of this disease for women impacted by health disparities. Additionally, we will also discuss breast cancer diagnosis in men, how to cope with a positive diagnosis, what to expect on your breast cancer journey, tapping into your support system, and setting shared personal health and wellness goals with friends and family. Now, let’s start with what the data says.
What Does the Data Say?
Globally, breast cancer impacts more women than any other type of cancer, according to Breast Cancer Prevention Partners. It is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women. A woman’s lifetime risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer in the United States is 1 out of 8. That is, for every 8 women that you know, one has been or will be diagnosed with breast cancer. This includes 1 out of 8 women in your family, your church, your workplace, your friends, and 1 out of 8 women members in the South LA Chamber of Commerce. African American women have a 31% breast cancer mortality rate, which is the highest of any racial or ethnic group in the United States. This means that of those of us who are diagnosed, one out of three us will die from breast cancer. While male breast cancer is rare, it does occur, according to BreastCancer.org. Fewer than 1% of all breast cancer diagnoses are diagnosed in men. Of those men diagnosed with breast cancer, African American men have a 52% higher rate of breast cancer than white men. Further research is needed to dissect male breast cancer and its implications. What the data does tell us is that both black women and men have higher disproportional breast cancer rates. OMG! What if I receive a positive diagnosis of breast cancer?
Anticipating Your Test Results
For those of us who are diligent about getting our annual mammograms, it is typically perfunctory. After the technician completes the screenings, most of the time you are told you will receive your results in the mail until they ask you to have a seat in the waiting room as the radiologist “needs to review the images”. Of course, you don’t think anything of this until the radiologist calls you back into the office and ask “are you available to undergo a breast ultrasound today? I would like to take a closer look.” This is typically code for an “abnormality, lump, cyst or mass” that needs further examination. You begin to feel a little nervous, but you remain hopeful and agree. After the ultrasound, the technician asks you to have a seat in the waiting area. Now, your heart starts to palpitate, and the palms of your hands begin to feel moist, and you realize that three hours have quickly passed. The radiologist returns and says to you “I have observed a suspicious area and I would like to set up an appointment for you to undergo a biopsy. Are you available to come in tomorrow at 9:00 am?” Of course, when you hear this, sheer panic sets in and you begin to experience immense fear and start to become worried and begin to ponder the question “What if……….” and you cannot bear to say it. You agree to the exam and return to the doctor’s office the next day and undergo the biopsy. You are told that the results will be ready within 24 to 48 hours. You start to feel anxious and nervous as you wait for your results. You share your exam with NO one as you consume yourself with shame asking yourself, “How will my church members react toward me?”, “How will my significant other feel about me?”, and “If I do have it, I do not want my co-workers to know”. Within 48 hours, you receive your diagnosis, and yes you have been informed that you have breast cancer. As you sit in total disbelief, it takes everything you have in you not to completely break down after hearing the news and inwardly shout and ask “why me Lord? Why me? Now begins your journey to recovery.
We As Women Cannot and Should Not Take This Journey Alone!
If you or a loved one receives a positive diagnosis, you will be inundated with information about next steps and what to expect throughout this process. First and foremost, if possible, ask a trusted family member or friend to accompany you to your biopsy appointment and join you in receiving your test results. Second, fully embrace all your fears and anxieties, even the doom and gloom as all those feelings are a normal part of your emotional process and your healing journey. Third, disclose to your trusted confidents and loved ones your diagnosis. Do not keep it a secret as you will draw your emotional and physical strength from their love in addition to holding on to your faith to get you through one of the toughest experiences of your life. Fourth, take time out to be with yourself to process your feelings of anguish, fear, doubt, and uncertainty. Fifth, if you have a husband or male partner, include them in your journey. Do not exclude them from your process even if you believe that they won’t understand. Sixth, if you are a member of a faith community, call upon your minister, prayer and meditative warriors to lift you up and pray for your full recovery. Remember, YOU matter! Whatever is going on with your personal health and wellness, is not just YOUR business but it is the business of those you love and those who love you.
Early detection is key. It is essential for us to have our annual mammograms whether we have a familial history of breast cancer or not. Take time to talk about your personal health and wellness with your friends and family. Set shared health and wellness goals with the significant others in your life. Sisters, please partner with your brothers in making a pact for both of you to get your essential cancer screenings. Wouldn’t it be great if we simultaneously schedule both our mammograms and prostate exams? This way we can reduce the mortality rates of both breast cancer and prostate cancer within the African American community.
Yolanda Whittington is a breast cancer survivor and Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She is the CEO of SISTAHFRIENDS, a non-profit agency dedicated to black women’s mental health.
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