There are many issues that affect Black health. Breast Cancer is one of them affecting men, women and children alike. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women world wide and the statistics are that one in 12 women will develop breast cancer at some time in their lives.

Breast Awareness

You need to be aware of the changes in your body and Breast awareness is the process of becoming familiar with your breasts and noticing the changes that they go through throughout your lifetime from puberty around the age of 9-11 to the menopause. Breast tissue changes with age and may vary during a woman’s menstrual cycle or pregnancy. Being breast aware means knowing how your breasts look and feel normally so that when there is a change you will notice the difference. It is important that if you notice any changes you see your GP immediately.

Changes that you should be aware of include: a change in size of one breast, an inverted nipple , or the appearance of a rash around it, an unusual thickening or lump in the breast, dimpling or puckering of the skin, a swelling under the armpit or around the collarbone, or constant pain there or in your breasts.

In the UK 80% of breast cancer occurs in women that are post menopausal or between the ages of 50 to 70. However there is a more aggressive form of cancer that seems to affect African women who are pre menopausal and more research is being done into this. It is advised that women consider screening for breast cancer early if it runs in the family or from age 40 onwards. In the UK screening is free for women aged 50 and over.

Breast Cancer Care is the UK’s leading provider of information, practical assistance and emotional support for anyone affected by breast cancer. For more information contact them on 0808 800 6000 or visit their web site at www.breastcancercare.org.uk.

You may also contact Esi Cleland who was diagnosed and treated for breast cancer in 2002. She has set up a charity called Breast Hope Ghana to raise vital funds for the breast clinic in Korle-Bu in Ghana. You may visit her website at www.breasthopeghana.org, or make a donation. Cheques should be made payable to Breast Hope Ghana and sent to Mail Hope Ghana, 129 Mount Grace Road, Potters Bar, Herts, EN6 1QY.

Look after your body. Be breast aware!