October 2024

Breast Cancer Awareness Month: The Untold Story for Black Women in Canada October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time for education, action, and honouring the resilience of women who’ve faced this illness. But as we focus on raising awareness, we must confront a difficult truth: Black Women, particularly in Canada, are disproportionately impacted by breast cancer in ways that often go unnoticed. While breast cancer affects all women, Black Women face unique challenges that make their outcomes far more severe. This story is one of disparities, but also of the power of early detection, advocacy, and community support. The Disparity: Higher Mortality Rates for Black Women Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in Canada, but for Black Women, the statistics tell a more alarming story. While national data on Black Canadian Women and breast cancer is limited, we can draw parallels from studies conducted in the United States, where Black Women are 40% more likely to die from breast cancer than white women, despite lower overall incidence rates. The Canadian health system shares similar challenges, particularly when it comes to addressing health disparities among minority communities. In fact, a growing body of Canadian research highlights that Black Women here are often diagnosed with breast cancer at more advanced stages, leading to poorer outcomes. According to a study conducted by The University of Toronto, Black Women in Canada are less likely to undergo routine mammograms and face longer delays in receiving treatment. This mirrors the U.S. pattern, where Black Women are more likely to be diagnosed with aggressive types of breast cancer, such as triple-negative breast cancer, which is harder to treat and more likely to recur. The Causes: Systemic Disparities and Biological Differences So why are Black Women, including those in Canada, more at risk of dying from breast cancer? Several factors play a role, from systemic inequalities to socio-economic barriers and biological differences. Biological Differences:  1. Access to Healthcare In Canada, Black Women face barriers in accessing quality healthcare, from geographical constraints in underserved communities to lower health literacy and economic challenges. Even within Canada’s universal healthcare system, there are disparities in the timeliness and quality of care that minority women receive. Black Canadian women are often left out of conversations about targeted prevention and are less likely to have access to culturally competent healthcare providers. 2. Socio-Economic Factors Social and economic barriers further exacerbate this issue. Black Women in Canada are more likely to experience financial instability, making it harder to prioritize healthcare. Studies conducted in Ontario have shown that lower-income women are more likely to delay breast cancer screening, which in turn increases the likelihood of late-stage diagnosis. 3. Medical Mistrust Historical and systemic racism within healthcare institutions continues to breed distrust, particularly among Black Women. A 2018 study from The Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ) found that mistrust of the healthcare system is a significant factor in the reluctance of many Black Canadians to seek out preventative care, including cancer screenings. This mistrust is often rooted in a history of medical discrimination and lack of culturally sensitive care. 4. Biological Differences Like in the U.S., Black Women in Canada may be genetically predisposed to more aggressive breast cancers, such as triple-negative breast cancer. A Canadian Cancer Society study suggests that the genetic mutations that increase the risk of breast cancer, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, are present in Black Women at higher rates compared to other populations.  Why Early Detection Is Critical? Despite these challenges, there is hope. The power of early detection through regular mammograms cannot be overstated. When breast cancer is detected early, the five-year survival rate can be as high as 100%. Yet, Black Women are often under-screened.   A study by Cancer Care Ontario showed that Black Women in the province were less likely to receive timely mammograms and were more likely to be diagnosed at later stages. This highlights the importance of promoting breast cancer awareness specifically within Black communities across Canada. Tips for Black Women: How to Take Action for Your Health While the statistics can feel overwhelming, Black Women can take steps to reduce their risk and improve their chances of early detection. Here are some important tips for safeguarding your health: Schedule Regular Screenings Make it a priority to get a mammogram every one to two years, starting at age 40 or earlier if you have a family history of breast cancer. Many healthcare facilities in Canada offer free mammograms as part of routine care. If you’re unsure where to start, ask your healthcare provider or visit your nearest health center to schedule a screening. Know Your Family History Understanding your family’s medical history can help assess your risk. If you have close relatives who have had breast cancer, particularly at a young age, you may need earlier or more frequent screenings. Genetic testing for mutations like BRCA1 and BRCA2 may also be recommended. Conduct Regular Self-Exams Regular breast self-exams can help you become familiar with the normal look and feel of your breasts, making it easier to notice any changes. While self-exams are not a substitute for mammograms, they are an important habit to practice in between screenings. If you notice any lumps, pain, or changes in size, shape, or skin texture, contact your healthcare provider right away. Advocate for Yourself Don’t be afraid to ask questions and push for answers. If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts and seek a second opinion if necessary. Black Women are often underrepresented in healthcare discussions, so it’s crucial to speak up for your needs. Lead a Healthy Lifestyle While some risk factors, like genetics, are beyond our control, maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help lower your overall risk. This includes eating a balanced diet, staying physically active, avoiding smoking, limiting alcohol intake, and managing stress. Join a Support Network Navigating breast cancer prevention or treatment can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. There are many organizations and support groups,

ADHD Awareness Month: Why We Need to Talk About Black Women and ADHD October is ADHD Awareness Month, and while the conversation around Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has been growing, there’s still a glaring gap when it comes to addressing how ADHD affects Black Women. Too often, Black Women are overlooked in both mental health conversations and ADHD research, leaving many to silently navigate this condition without the understanding or support they need. It’s time to shine a light on the challenges and strengths of Black Women with ADHD—and why we must pay attention. Understanding ADHD in Black Women ADHD is often seen as a condition that primarily affects hyperactive young boys, but this perception erases the fact that ADHD manifests differently in different people, especially in women. Symptoms in women are often more internalized, such as chronic disorganization, forgetfulness, difficulty focusing, and emotional dysregulation. When it comes to Black Women, there are additional layers of complexity: The Strong Black Woman Stereotype: Black Women are often expected to carry the weight of the world on their shoulders. Society tells us to be strong, resilient, and capable of juggling multiple roles without breaking down. This makes it harder for many Black Women to even acknowledge their struggles with ADHD, let alone seek help. ADHD-related challenges like disorganization, missed deadlines, or forgetfulness can be internalized as personal failures rather than symptoms of a neurodevelopmental disorder. Racial Bias in Healthcare: Black Women are less likely to be diagnosed with ADHD, and even when they are, it’s often much later in life. According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology, Black children are diagnosed with ADHD at significantly lower rates compared to white children, and these disparities persist into adulthood. Racial bias in healthcare leads to underdiagnosis, misdiagnosis, or even dismissal of symptoms as behavioural issues, depression, or anxiety. Undiagnosed ADHD and Mental Health: The impact of untreated ADHD on mental health is severe. Black Women with ADHD often deal with feelings of frustration, guilt, and exhaustion from trying to keep up with daily tasks. The Journal of Attention Disorders highlights that ADHD in women is strongly associated with anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. These coexisting conditions can often mask ADHD symptoms, further delaying diagnosis and treatment. Why ADHD Awareness Matters for Black Women? ADHD Awareness Month is about more than recognizing the symptoms of ADHD—it’s about addressing the systemic inequalities that prevent Black Women from getting the support and treatment they deserve. 1. Breaking the Silence For Black Women, discussing ADHD can be difficult. Cultural expectations and stereotypes discourage vulnerability, but silence only compounds the struggle. Talking openly about ADHD helps to break the stigma and create spaces where Black Women can connect, share their experiences, and find community. We need more visibility for Black Women with ADHD so that others feel empowered to seek help without shame. 2. Increasing Diagnosis and Treatment Raising awareness is crucial to closing the gap in diagnosis and treatment. Black Women are diagnosed with ADHD at disproportionately lower rates, and even those who seek help often face inadequate care. Studies show that Black Women are more likely to be prescribed medication without proper follow-up care like therapy or coaching. Comprehensive treatment, including therapy, medication, and lifestyle management, is key to thriving with ADHD. 3. Challenging Misconceptions ADHD is not a character flaw. It’s not laziness or a lack of ambition. By challenging misconceptions, we can help dismantle the stigma surrounding ADHD and shift the narrative. Black Women with ADHD are capable, creative, and resilient, but they deserve the tools to succeed without burning out. Self-Advocacy and Seeking Support If you’re a Black Woman navigating life with undiagnosed or untreated ADHD, here are some empowering steps to take:  Trust Your Instincts: If you’ve always felt that something was different about how your brain processes things, you’re not imagining it. ADHD presents in ways that might not fit the traditional mould, especially for women. Seek a proper diagnosis from a mental health professional who understands how ADHD affects women of color. Build a Support Network: Find communities—both online and offline—where you can connect with other Black Women managing ADHD. Organizations like ADDA (Attention Deficit Disorder Association) have resources that focus specifically on women and adults with ADHD. Embrace Self-Compassion: It’s easy to get frustrated when you feel like you’re constantly “dropping the ball.” But ADHD is not a personal failing. Give yourself grace and focus on building coping strategies that work for you, such as breaking tasks into smaller steps, using visual reminders, and creating structured routines. Advocate for Better Care: If you’re not getting the support you need from your healthcare provider, it’s okay to advocate for yourself. Ask for additional resources, treatment options, and mental health support that cater to your specific needs. The Future for Black Women with ADHD As awareness grows, we have an opportunity to change the landscape of ADHD care for Black Women. By continuing to advocate for better diagnosis, treatment, and support, we can ensure that future generations of Black Women are empowered to thrive with ADHD, rather than feeling confined by it. Michelle Obama once said, “Your story is what you have, what you will always have. It is something to own.” Owning the ADHD story is part of taking control of your mental health and breaking free from the constraints society places on you. We are more than the labels society gives us. With increased awareness, empathy, and proper care, Black Women with ADHD can live with confidence, fulfillment, and joy. In the realm of mental health advocacy, Solange Knowles has been open about her struggles with ADHD. In an interview with New York Magazine, she reflected on how it affects her daily life, saying: “ADHD is not a disorder, it’s just that my brain functions differently. It’s a gift and a curse, but I’ve learned how to harness it.” Solange’s candour reminds us that embracing differences can be empowering, not limiting.