Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsScreening GuidelinesScreening in Black WomenTypes of ScreeningHow to Get Screened
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Screening Guidelines
Screening in Black Women
Types of Screening
How to Get Screened
This article is part ofBreast Cancer and Black Women, a destination in our Health Divide series.
In the United States,breast canceris the second leading cause of death in women assigned female at birth. Although mortality rates from breast cancer have declined over time,Black womenare 40% more likely to die from the disease than White women.While instances are rare, transgender women can develop breast cancer as well.
Breast cancer is curable if found in the early stages. Studies show outside ofbiologicand genetic differences, this racial disparity is due to decreased access to screening exams such asmammograms.
This article discusses early breast cancer detection through proper screening to reduce breast cancer mortality rates in Black patients, particularly Black women.
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Breast Cancer Screening Guidelines
Breast cancer screening is the same for Black and White women. For women at average risk of breast cancer, the American Cancer Society recommends the following:
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force has simpler guidelines. They say all average-risk women should get a mammogram every two years from age 40 to 74.
Women at increased risk of developing breast cancer should be screened with a mammogram and a breast MRI annually, starting at 30. High-risk women are those with a 20%-25% lifetime risk of developing breast cancer, based on family history and the factors below:
Detecting breast cancer early and starting treatment quickly are the most important ways to prevent breast cancer deaths in all, regardless of race.
Breast Cancer Screening in Black Patients
Black patients, particularly Black women, arescreenedfor breast cancer less often and experience longer times between screenings. Additionally, follow-up after an abnormal breast cancer screening test is prolonged in Black women compared to White women.These inequities lead to the development ofadvanced-stage breast cancer, which is incurable.
Access to Screening
Although White women are developing breast cancer at a higher rate than Black women, the healthcare community must continue to investigate and resolve why Black patients are more likely to die from the disease.
Studies show thatpoor accessto breast cancer screening is the leading cause of this inequity. Lack of insurance, childcare, transportation, and employment constraints affect the ability of Black women to access screening exams. Other factors that decrease breast cancer screening in Black patients include:
The lives of 1,800 Black women would be saved yearly if breast cancer deaths were equal to those of White women.Therefore, addressing and resolving barriers is crucial to ensure proper screening and detection.
Types of Breast Cancer Screening
Breast cancer screening tests can help identify the disease while it’s smaller and hasn’t spread to other organs. Early detection improves prognosis and survival rates.
Mammogram
Amammogramis an X-ray of the breast.It can be used to screen for breast cancer, or it can help rule out the disease in people with suspicious breast findings, such as:
During a mammogram, a technician places a breast (one breast at a time) between two plastic plates, which help press the breast flat. Patients with all sizes of breasts and breast implants can get a mammogram. Although the procedure may be uncomfortable, it lasts only a few minutes.
Mobile mammogram buses are available in some areas, which help reduce the difficulty of patient travel. Search “mobile mammography near me” to find this resource in your region.
Breast Ultrasound
A healthcare provider may order abreast ultrasoundto get more information if a mass is discovered on a mammogram.An ultrasound uses sound waves to determine if a mass is solid or fluid-filled (cyst). A breast ultrasound is also used to help guide a needle during abreast biopsy.
MRI
Magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) of the breast helps identify breast cancer in patients with a high risk for breast cancer or those withdense breasttissue. An MRI uses a powerful magnetic field and radiofrequency pulses to obtain pictures of internal structures that cannot be found with mammography or breast ultrasound.
Other
Breast-self exams(BSE) enable people to become familiar with their breasts. BSEs provide valuable information about the breasts' texture, color, size, and shape, allowing people to identify new changes. The most accurate time to perform a BSE is a few days after amenstrual cycleeach month. It’s important to remember that a BSE is not a replacement for breast cancer screening.
How to Check for Breast Cancer
Black women have reported a lack of trust in the healthcare system; therefore, finding a dependable healthcare provider is essential to developing a trustworthy relationship.Health in Her Hueis a digital platform that helps connect Black women to culturally competent healthcare providers.
Once established with a healthcare provider, they will perform a health assessment, which includes reviewing your family’s medical history. Based on this information, they will recommend the type of breast cancer screening exam best for you. Your healthcare team will help arrange your screening test and provide an order for the exam.
Cost of Screening
Depending on where you live, the average cost of a mammogram in the United States is between $100–$250. In 2010, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) began requiring health plans to cover the total cost of mammograms without a copay starting at age 40. Medicare and Medicaid also cover the entire cost of a mammogram.
Be sure to let a healthcare provider know if financial concerns are preventing you from getting breast cancer screening. They may be able to provide a list of local organizations that can help.
If uninsured or underinsured, resources such as the CDC’sNational Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program, Susan G. Komen Foundation, and the American Cancer Society can help you find a free or low-cost mammogram.
Find a Low-Cost or Free Mammogram Near You
Summary
A Word From Verywell
If you are a Black woman, you must know that you can significantly decrease your risk of dying from breast cancer with early detection. Breast cancer is curable if caught in the early stages. Connect with a healthcare provider you feel comfortable with who understands your unique barriers to screening so a breast cancer screening plan can be designed to fit your needs.
11 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Breast cancer.de Blok CJM, Wiepjes CM, Nota NM, et al.Breast cancer risk in transgender people receiving hormone treatment: nationwide cohort study in the Netherlands.BMJ. 2019;365:l1652. Published 2019 May 14. doi:10.1136/bmj.l1652Yedjou CG, Sims JN, Miele L, et al.Health and racial disparity in breast cancer.Adv Exp Med Biol. 2019;1152:31-49. doi:10.1007/978-3-030-20301-6_3American Cancer Society.Recommendations for the early detection of breast cancer.US Preventive Services Task Force, Nicholson WK, Silverstein M, et al.Screening for breast cancer: US Preventive Services Task Force recommendation statement.JAMA. Published online April 30, 2024. doi:10.1001/jama.2024.5534Malone J, Snguon S, Dean LT, Adams MA, Poteat T.Breast cancer screening and care among black sexual minority women: A scoping review of the literature from 1990 to 2017.J Womens Health (Larchmt). 2019;28(12):1650-1660. doi:10.1089/jwh.2018.7127Aleshire ME, Adegboyega A, Escontrías OA, Edward J, Hatcher J.Access to care as a barrier to mammography for black women.Policy Polit Nurs Pract. 2021;22(1):28-40. doi:10.1177/1527154420965537MedlinePlus.Mammography.MedlinePlus.Breast ultrasound.RadiologyInfo.org.Breast MRI.Breastcancer.org.Many women report paying out-of-pocket costs for routine mammograms.
11 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Breast cancer.de Blok CJM, Wiepjes CM, Nota NM, et al.Breast cancer risk in transgender people receiving hormone treatment: nationwide cohort study in the Netherlands.BMJ. 2019;365:l1652. Published 2019 May 14. doi:10.1136/bmj.l1652Yedjou CG, Sims JN, Miele L, et al.Health and racial disparity in breast cancer.Adv Exp Med Biol. 2019;1152:31-49. doi:10.1007/978-3-030-20301-6_3American Cancer Society.Recommendations for the early detection of breast cancer.US Preventive Services Task Force, Nicholson WK, Silverstein M, et al.Screening for breast cancer: US Preventive Services Task Force recommendation statement.JAMA. Published online April 30, 2024. doi:10.1001/jama.2024.5534Malone J, Snguon S, Dean LT, Adams MA, Poteat T.Breast cancer screening and care among black sexual minority women: A scoping review of the literature from 1990 to 2017.J Womens Health (Larchmt). 2019;28(12):1650-1660. doi:10.1089/jwh.2018.7127Aleshire ME, Adegboyega A, Escontrías OA, Edward J, Hatcher J.Access to care as a barrier to mammography for black women.Policy Polit Nurs Pract. 2021;22(1):28-40. doi:10.1177/1527154420965537MedlinePlus.Mammography.MedlinePlus.Breast ultrasound.RadiologyInfo.org.Breast MRI.Breastcancer.org.Many women report paying out-of-pocket costs for routine mammograms.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Breast cancer.de Blok CJM, Wiepjes CM, Nota NM, et al.Breast cancer risk in transgender people receiving hormone treatment: nationwide cohort study in the Netherlands.BMJ. 2019;365:l1652. Published 2019 May 14. doi:10.1136/bmj.l1652Yedjou CG, Sims JN, Miele L, et al.Health and racial disparity in breast cancer.Adv Exp Med Biol. 2019;1152:31-49. doi:10.1007/978-3-030-20301-6_3American Cancer Society.Recommendations for the early detection of breast cancer.US Preventive Services Task Force, Nicholson WK, Silverstein M, et al.Screening for breast cancer: US Preventive Services Task Force recommendation statement.JAMA. Published online April 30, 2024. doi:10.1001/jama.2024.5534Malone J, Snguon S, Dean LT, Adams MA, Poteat T.Breast cancer screening and care among black sexual minority women: A scoping review of the literature from 1990 to 2017.J Womens Health (Larchmt). 2019;28(12):1650-1660. doi:10.1089/jwh.2018.7127Aleshire ME, Adegboyega A, Escontrías OA, Edward J, Hatcher J.Access to care as a barrier to mammography for black women.Policy Polit Nurs Pract. 2021;22(1):28-40. doi:10.1177/1527154420965537MedlinePlus.Mammography.MedlinePlus.Breast ultrasound.RadiologyInfo.org.Breast MRI.Breastcancer.org.Many women report paying out-of-pocket costs for routine mammograms.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Breast cancer.
de Blok CJM, Wiepjes CM, Nota NM, et al.Breast cancer risk in transgender people receiving hormone treatment: nationwide cohort study in the Netherlands.BMJ. 2019;365:l1652. Published 2019 May 14. doi:10.1136/bmj.l1652
Yedjou CG, Sims JN, Miele L, et al.Health and racial disparity in breast cancer.Adv Exp Med Biol. 2019;1152:31-49. doi:10.1007/978-3-030-20301-6_3
American Cancer Society.Recommendations for the early detection of breast cancer.
US Preventive Services Task Force, Nicholson WK, Silverstein M, et al.Screening for breast cancer: US Preventive Services Task Force recommendation statement.JAMA. Published online April 30, 2024. doi:10.1001/jama.2024.5534
Malone J, Snguon S, Dean LT, Adams MA, Poteat T.Breast cancer screening and care among black sexual minority women: A scoping review of the literature from 1990 to 2017.J Womens Health (Larchmt). 2019;28(12):1650-1660. doi:10.1089/jwh.2018.7127
Aleshire ME, Adegboyega A, Escontrías OA, Edward J, Hatcher J.Access to care as a barrier to mammography for black women.Policy Polit Nurs Pract. 2021;22(1):28-40. doi:10.1177/1527154420965537
MedlinePlus.Mammography.
MedlinePlus.Breast ultrasound.
RadiologyInfo.org.Breast MRI.
Breastcancer.org.Many women report paying out-of-pocket costs for routine mammograms.
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