By Aaron Allen, The Seattle Medium
October 21 is National Mammography Day, and the Cierra Sisters, a breast cancer survivor and support organization, are hosting an event to raise awareness of the importance of women, particularly Black women, getting mammograms to combat breast cancer at the Rainier Beach Community Center.
The event, scheduled for Saturday, October 21, from 12 noon to 2 p.m., will provide information for both men and women about breast cancer, accessing quality healthcare, and celebrating survivors and those families who have lost loved ones to breast cancer.
“The issue here is breast cancer affecting Black women in our community,” says Bridgette Hempstead, founder of Cierra Sisters. “With late diagnosis issues, mammograms can detect breast cancer early, increasing the chances of survival.”
“But within our community, there is late-stage diagnosis, women not getting mammograms because their providers do not encourage them to start at the age of 40, and every year after that. The healthcare community seems to be confused about the proper guidelines for women, particularly Black women, and we want to emphasize that our lives matter,” Hempstead continued.
According to Colleen Pacheco, who leads Seattle/King County Public Health’s Breast, Cervical, and Colon Health program, mammograms are essential for early detection and effective treatment of breast cancer. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths for women in the U.S., and early detection through screenings should be a primary goal in women’s health.
“Mammograms save lives,” says Pacheco. “They can catch cancer early before someone shows signs or symptoms when it’s easier to treat. Many women with breast cancer have no symptoms, so routine screening is essential.”
Public health data shows that Black women are disproportionately affected by breast cancer and inflammatory breast cancers. They are more likely to be diagnosed at younger ages and at more advanced stages of the disease. Key findings among Black women include:
• African American women have a 40% breast cancer mortality rate – the highest of any U.S. racial or ethnic group.
• The mortality rate for Black women diagnosed with breast cancer is 42% higher than the rate for White women.
• Among women younger than 40, breast cancer incidence is higher among African American women than White women.
• Triple-negative breast cancer, a subtype of the disease that is more aggressive and associated with higher mortality, is more common among African American women.
• Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. for African American women.
Pacheco notes that many disparities in breast cancer are a result of systemic racism and inequities, including a lack of affordable insurance, the inability to take time off from work, lack of childcare or transportation for screenings, historical trauma, negative healthcare experiences, disrespect, maltreatment, and abuse.
Breast cancer does not discriminate, and women with certain risk factors, including a family history of breast cancer, should discuss screenings with their medical provider at a younger age than current health guidelines suggest.
“The age at which you should start getting mammograms depends on your risk level,” says Pacheco. “There are certain risk factors like age and personal family history. In general, women between 50 and 74 years of age with average risk should get screened every two years. However, between ages 40 and 49, women should discuss with their doctor or healthcare provider when to start and how often to be screened; it’s an individual decision.”
“Screening is important across all races and ethnicities,” Pacheco adds. “We work hard to break down barriers for those with more obstacles or inequities.”
“In King County, Black women have a lower incidence of breast cancer compared to the overall population,” Pacheco continues. “However, in Washington, Black women were less likely to have received a mammogram compared to the overall population, which is concerning because early detection makes it easier to treat and survive. In King County, Black women are more likely to die from breast cancer compared to the overall population.”
Hempstead emphasizes that their World Mammography Day Events is a time of reflection, celebration, and awareness, as well as a day to address health disparities in the community through knowledge, networking, caring, and sharing.
“It is World Mammography Day, and we are just really celebrating taking care of yourself,” says Hempstead. “We are going to have lunch on that day, but also, you can sign up to schedule your mammogram that day. So it’s a one-stop shop to come and have a great lunch, hear some wonderful stories, and also get educated.”
“This is a day of celebrating our lives, and we have lost many, many women to breast cancer, and we have lost some men to breast cancer as well,” Hempstead concludes. “We are inviting men to come and get educated or share a story. But this event is about celebrating life.”
This event is for the entire community, to celebrate survivors and remember those lost to breast cancer, and to provide information about resources and knowledge related to breast cancer and access to quality healthcare.
The Cierra Sister World Mammography Day is a free event open to the public. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. For more information on screening at the event, contact the Cierra Sisters or the Community Health Access Program at 1-800-756-5437.
