breast cancer
Breast Cancer in African American Women
Tristian L. Richard
Southern University and A&M College
Breast Cancer in African American Women
Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society (2012). It is also the principle cause of death from cancer among women globally. The U.S. has one of the highest incidence rates worldwide, just under 30% of cancer in women are breast cancer (BreastCancer.Org, 2012). It is estimated that in 2013, among U.S. women there will be 232,340 new cases of invasive breast cancer, 64,640 new cases of in situ breast cancer and 39,620 breast cancer deaths (Howlader, N., Noone, A.M., Krapcho, M, Garshell, J., Neyman, N., Altekruse, S.F., et al., 2011). African-American women have a lower incidence of breast cancer; however, they have a higher mortality rate when compared to Caucasian women (Condon et al., 2003). However, in women under 45, breast cancer is more common in African-American women than Caucasian women. According to the Cancer of Disease Control (2009), 120,000 AAW has breast cancer as of 2009. Coping with breast cancer has been described as emotionally and physically challenging for women and family members (Condon et al., 2003). In coping with breast cancer, African-American women typically suppress their emotions, use wishful thinking, and practice positive reappraisal strategies to cope with breast cancer (Condon et al., 2003). This paper will cover breast cancer in African-American women and coping strategies to adapt and adjust to the diagnosis.
What is Breast Cancer? The American Cancer Society (2012) states breast cancer refers to a malignant tumor that starts in the cells of the breast. A malignant tumor is a group of cancer cells that can grow into surrounding tissues or invade to other areas of the body.
A woman’s breast is made up of glands called lobules that make breast milk, ducts, fatty and connective tissue,
Tristian L. Richard
Southern University and A&M College
Breast Cancer in African American Women
Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society (2012). It is also the principle cause of death from cancer among women globally. The U.S. has one of the highest incidence rates worldwide, just under 30% of cancer in women are breast cancer (BreastCancer.Org, 2012). It is estimated that in 2013, among U.S. women there will be 232,340 new cases of invasive breast cancer, 64,640 new cases of in situ breast cancer and 39,620 breast cancer deaths (Howlader, N., Noone, A.M., Krapcho, M, Garshell, J., Neyman, N., Altekruse, S.F., et al., 2011). African-American women have a lower incidence of breast cancer; however, they have a higher mortality rate when compared to Caucasian women (Condon et al., 2003). However, in women under 45, breast cancer is more common in African-American women than Caucasian women. According to the Cancer of Disease Control (2009), 120,000 AAW has breast cancer as of 2009. Coping with breast cancer has been described as emotionally and physically challenging for women and family members (Condon et al., 2003). In coping with breast cancer, African-American women typically suppress their emotions, use wishful thinking, and practice positive reappraisal strategies to cope with breast cancer (Condon et al., 2003). This paper will cover breast cancer in African-American women and coping strategies to adapt and adjust to the diagnosis.
What is Breast Cancer? The American Cancer Society (2012) states breast cancer refers to a malignant tumor that starts in the cells of the breast. A malignant tumor is a group of cancer cells that can grow into surrounding tissues or invade to other areas of the body.
A woman’s breast is made up of glands called lobules that make breast milk, ducts, fatty and connective tissue,
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