According to the American Cancer Society, there were more than 231,000 new cases of breast cancer diagnosed among women in the Unites States in 2015. The best way to beat this disease is early detection and thus, mammography screenings become a critical tool to diagnose breast cancer at an early stage.
African-American women are usually less prone to getting breast cancer when compared to white women; however, it never translates into their risk of dying from breast cancer. For example, in 2011, African-American women had a 44 percent higher rate of breast cancer deaths than white women. When compared to non-Hispanic white women and non-Hispanic African American, the Hispanic/Latina women have better immunity against breast cancer mortality; however, among Hispanic/Latina women, it is still the most common form of cancer.
The number one reason women are skipping mammograms is lack of health insurance. Women with no health insurance never consider getting mammograms seriously. In 2010, only 32 percent of women ages 40 and older with no health insurance had a mammogram compared to 71 percent of those with insurance.
Low income also contributes to women skipping mammograms. Some employers along with state and local health programs are actually doing great job in providing mammograms free or at low cost. For example, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has joined forces with the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program to provide screening services, such as mammograms and clinical breast exams, to uninsured, low-income women in several U.S. states. It’s time to promote these options to the women who need it.
Education also is a leading cause behind the list of disparities in screenings. Women without a high school education are less likely to have a mammogram than those qualified ones. As a society, we must increase awareness of breast cancer risks and screening methods. Lack of conveniently located mammography centers or lack of transportation to a screening center is another top reason women have to skip their screenings.
After all, women do need to bear in mind that a breast reconstruction plastic surgeon can help them navigate what they need to do.
Article Submitted By Community Writer
