Black Women and Breast Cancer

Ever since an independent National health advocacy group recently published a study that said most women would be fine to hold off until age 50 for their first mammograms, the response has been overwhelming. The American Cancer Society cited the steady decline in breast cancer mortality to early detection and suggested that women ignore the recommendation and continue to seek earlier treatment. Republican women in Congress seized the occasion to link the recommendation to the current Health care initiative as a clear example of the government interfering in our lives, and trying to save money at the expense of our well being. "This is how rationing begins. This is the little toe in the edge of the water. And this is where we start getting a bureaucrat between you and your physician." The Black Women's Health Imperative called the recommendations for delaying the start of mammograms a death sentence to women of color. Aggressive forms of breast cancer are often found in younger women, and that cancer is often less responsive to standard breast cancer treatment. Truth to be told, the health advocacy group made it clear that women should continue to seek the advice and counsel of their doctors. Further, the advocacy group suggested that women in high-risk categories should continue to have mammograms early than age 50. Certainly women of color and those women whose family has a history of breast cancer should definitely continue to have mammograms at an earlier age. Early detection of breast cancer increases the likelihood of successful treatment and long-term survival.