Breast Cancer in Women II

Breast cancer is an uncontrolled growth of breast cells. The term “breast cancer” refers to a malignant tumor that has developed from cells in the breast. Cancer occurs when those genes responsible for regulating the growth of cells and keeping them healthy start to malfunction causing abnormal growth. Overall, women of European heritage are slightly more likely to develop breast cancer than are African-American women, but African-American women are more likely to die of this cancer. However, in women under 45 years of age, breast cancer is more common in African- American women. Asian, Hispanic, and Native-American women have a lower risk of developing and dying from breast cancer- according to the American Cancer Society. The pressing questions are why are still more women dying of breast cancer, why are the symptoms different, why is that stats show an increase in heart disease in African women? Is there a genetic linkage ....etc if yes how come this was not the norm years ago....has the diet and lifestyle changed so significantly. Our special guest this week is Mr. James Alexander, a public Affairs Specialist with the National Cancer Institute/National Institutes of Health, Office of Communications and Education. As Breast Cancer Awareness Month approaches, we need to think about realistic ways to defeat cancer.

african health dialogue