Preventing The Most Common Cancers In The Black Community - Page 3

Source: SDI Productions / Getty

Stand Up To Cancer Day is the result of the efforts of a passionate and fierce group of women who were personally impacted by cancer. In 2008, these women decided that cancer awareness levels and research efforts were not where they needed to be. They combined media and entertainment resources to create a fundraising event for cancer research, and that event would launch a yearly day dedicated to cancer awareness.

The CDC reports that nearly 2 million annual cancer cases were reported in recent years. The American Cancer Society estimates that there will be 224,080 new cancer cases in Black patients in 2022. As is unjustly the case for many risks and ailments, cancer hits the Black community harder than others. There are several types of cancers seen in Black patients at alarmingly higher rates than in other groups. Within Stand Up To Cancer Day should be contained cancer awareness within the Black community. While there are systemic factors that cause these inequities, there are still things Black patients can do to prevent or reduce their chances of developing these common cancers.

Lung Cancer

Source: skynesher / Getty

The stats

According to the American Lung Association, Black Americans with lung cancer are 21 percent less likely to survive five years post diagnosis compared to white patients. Black lung cancer patients are also 18 percent less likely to receive an early diagnosis that would increase their survival rates and 23 percent less likely to undergo surgical treatment.

Prevention

Lung cancer is one of the most preventable forms of cancer because, according to The American Lung Association, 90 percent of cases are due to a lifestyle choice: smoking. Here are steps you can take to prevent lung cancer:

• Don’t smoke. The best way to prevent lung cancer is to never smoke
• Quit today. If you are or have been a smoker, you can still greatly reduce your chances of lung cancer by quitting today. Human lungs recover from tobacco damage at a surprisingly rapid rate when a smoker quits cold turkey.
• Avoid secondhand smoke. Even non-smokers have an increased risk of lung cancer if they are regularly exposed to second-hand smoke.
• Be aware of environmental risk factors. While smoking is the top cause of lung cancer, environmental hazards such as asbestos and carcinogens are also a risk. Avoid prolonged exposure to environments that are known to contain these elements.
• Know your family history. Having family members with a history of lung cancer increases your risk of lung cancer. Speak to your doctor about your family’s medical history and how to properly monitor your risk.

Breast Cancer

Source: Carol Yepes / Getty

The stats

According to Breast Cancer Prevention Partners, Black women have a 31 percent mortality rate from breast cancer, which is the highest of any racial group. The most aggressive form of breast cancer shows up in young Black women more than in young women from other groups. Breast cancer cases are on the rise among Black women.

Prevention

Breast cancer risks come from a combination of genetics and lifestyle choices. While you can’t change your DNA or family history, you can make these changes:

• Drink less alcohol. Drinking alcohol in excess is linked with a higher risk of breast cancer. Stick to no more than one drink per day.
• Breastfeeding for an extended period of time has been associated with lower breast cancer risks.
• Exercise + eat well. Maintaining a healthy weight is associated with a lower risk of breast cancer. Exercising regularly and eating well can be a part of this important preventative measure.

Colorectal

Source: DjelicS / Getty

The stats

The rates of colorectal cancer are the highest in the Black community. In fact, Black people are 20 percent more likely to develop colorectal cancer and 40 percent more likely to die from it.

Prevention

The good news is that colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable forms of cancer. Through proper lifestyle choices and screening, the risk can remain low, even in the Black community. Here are tips to take towards prevention:

• Eat a produce-rich, low-meat diet. Diets that are full of fruits and vegetables and low in red meat and processed meat have been linked to a lower risk of colorectal cancer.
• Don’t smoke. While cigarettes are often associated with lung cancer, it’s also been found that smokers have a higher risk of dying from colorectal cancer.
• Limit alcohol consumption. High alcohol consumption has been linked to an increase in colorectal cancer risk. Limit drinks to one per day for women, and two per day for men.
• Get screened. Regular screenings can help detect colorectal cancer early and increase one’s chances of survival of colorectal cancer. Screenings are especially important if you have a history of colorectal cancer in your family.

Prostate Cancer

Source: Jay Yuno / Getty

The stats

According to the University of Michigan Health Lab, Black men are more than twice as likely to die from prostate cancer compared to white men. Furthermore, it is one of the most common cancers among Black men. Prostate cancer accounts for roughly 37 percent of cancer cases in Black men.

Prevention

Speak to the men in your life about their prostate cancer risk. You can be an ally to your boyfriend, husband, brother, father, son or friend in the fight against prostate cancer. The CDC reports that married men are more likely to go to the doctor than non-married men. While they haven’t determined why, they theorize that female partners influence men to make healthy choices so be that influence.

Additionally, Mayo Clinic reports that these lifestyle choices might reduce one’s chances of prostate cancer:

• Eating a healthy diet that is low in fats and rich with fruits and vegetables.
• Exercising regularly. Maintaining a healthy weight might reduce risk of prostate cancer
• Know your family history. Men with a family history of prostate cancer are at an increased risk.