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, like the Velma Carter Centre, that provide resources, community, and emotional support for Black Women facing breast cancer.
Stay Informed
Keep up with the latest research and health guidelines. As more research is conducted on how breast cancer affects Black Women, new treatments, and screening methods may become available. Being informed about the latest developments can help you make the best decisions for your health.
The Way Forward: Education, Advocacy, and Support
To combat these disparities, we must tackle breast cancer from multiple fronts:
- Advocating for Policy Change: Health equity should be at the forefront of policy discussions in Canada. We need more funding for research on breast cancer in Black Women and better access to preventative care.
- Building Trust in Healthcare: We must create culturally competent healthcare environments where Black Women feel heard, understood, and empowered to seek out regular screenings.
- Encouraging Regular Screening: Promoting regular mammograms through community outreach and providing free or low-cost screening options can ensure more Black Women have access to life-saving early detection. The earlier the cancer is found, the better the chances of survival.
- Increasing Representation in Research: Black Women are significantly underrepresented in Canadian clinical trials, which limits our understanding of how breast cancer uniquely impacts them. More inclusive research can lead to better, targeted treatments for all women.
Conclusion: Standing Together for Change
As we observe Breast Cancer Awareness Month, let us remember that awareness is just the beginning. We need action to close the racial gaps in breast cancer outcomes. Black Women in Canada deserve better—better care, better access, and better outcomes. Together, we can support initiatives that address the disparities in breast cancer care, ensuring that no woman is left behind in this fight.
By advocating for equity, promoting early detection, and fostering trust in our healthcare system, we can create a future where all women, regardless of race or background, can fight breast cancer with hope and confidence.
Resources & Further Reading
- Canadian Cancer Society. (2023). Breast Cancer in Black Canadian Women: Current Research and Future Directions. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.ca/en/cancer-information/cancer-type/breast/statistics/?region=on
- Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ). (2018). Mistrust and Delayed Diagnosis: Black Canadian Women’s Experiences with Breast Cancer. Retrieved from https://www.cmaj.ca/content/mistrust-and-diagnosis
- University of Toronto, Department of Public Health. (2022). Breast Cancer Screening and Disparities Among Black Women in Ontario. Retrieved from https://www.publichealth.utoronto.ca/research/breast-cancer-screening
- American Cancer Society. (2023). Breast Cancer Facts & Figures 2022-2024. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.org/research/cancer-facts-statistics.html