Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women in the United States, according to the National Cancer Institute (NCI).

In fact, breast cancer rates have been slowly increasing since 2004, with an estimated 266,120 new cases of the disease in 2018. While there is some good news, as the NCI reports that that overall breast cancer death rates are decreasing, not all breast cancer realities are created equal – particularly not for Black women. For the first time, Black women have been added to the list of groups considered “high risk” for breast cancer, according to the American College of Radiology.

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Breast Cancer Disparity

Breast cancer outcomes vary by race and ethnicity — and the disparities in Black women are startling:

  • Black women in the United States are about 1% less likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer than white women but 40 percent more likely to die from the disease.
  • They are more likely than white women to develop breast cancer before age 40.
  • Black women are more likely to be diagnosed with more advanced-stage cancer than white women.
  • They are nearly twice as likely to be diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer, an especially lethal form of the disease.

One of the best ways to address these outcomes is early detection.

“UPMC Hillman Cancer Center and UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital are joining forces to change the story,” said Steven Evans, MD, surgical oncologist at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center. “We want to change the story. The outcomes. Women will live longer once diagnosed with breast cancer. And how is that going to be made possible? That’s going to be made possible because we are going to empower them with education

Why Early Detection Matters

Early detection through routine breast cancer screening remains the single most important preventative measure for women, regardless of race or ethnicity. The earlier the breast cancer diagnosis, the higher the chances of long-term survival. Women whose cancer is contained within the breast (stage 1, or localized breast cancer) have a 99 percent five-year survival rate.

Mammograms are the first screening option for most women, improving their chances of early detection. In this type of screening, a series of breast x-rays are taken to look for cancer. Knowing what to expect during a mammogram may help ease your mind if you’re wondering how they work and what happens during the test.

When Should You Get a Mammogram?

For women at average risk of breast cancer, our health experts recommend getting an annual mammogram, starting at age 40. This early breast cancer screening protocol has been shown to save the most lives from breast cancer.

Since Black women are more likely to develop breast cancer before age 40, they may want to get screened earlier. As with any medical advice, talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks of screening.

“We are committed to eradicating breast cancer disparities right here at home in Pittsburgh,” says LaJuana Fuller, Director of Women’s Imaging at Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC. “But we need you to help us. If you have not or you know someone who has not had her annual screening, let’s get that done. I am here to answer your questions and make those connections to get the mammogram taken care of. I am available at (412) 641-5837.

Breast Density and Breast Cancer Risks

Women with dense breasts have a higher risk of breast cancer. On a regular mammogram, dense breast tissue appears white, making it more difficult to spot cancerous tumors early, if at all.

Breast density has nothing to do with the size or shape of your breasts. Studies have found that Black women have higher breast density on average than white women, which can contribute to more difficult detection of breast cancer.

In 2014, Pennsylvania passed the Breast Density Notification Act, requiring women to be notified of their breast density on their mammogram report. Be sure to read your mammogram report once you receive it from your doctor. If you have questions about your breast density, ask your doctor whether additional screening makes sense for you. Other screening options may include 3D mammography, ultrasound, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of one or both breasts.

Women at high risk may benefit from more intensive screening and should consider making an appointment with the Magee-Womens High-Risk Breast Cancer Program.

Call 1-800-649-4077 to schedule a mammogram at any of our conveniently located Magee-Womens Imaging or Womancare Centers.

For more information, download our brochure on personalized breast cancer screening at UPMC.

 

If you are over 40 years old, a prescription is not required for a screening mammography.

About UPMC Hillman Cancer Center

When you are facing cancer, you need the best care possible. UPMC Hillman Cancer Center provides world-class cancer care, from diagnosis to treatment, to help you in your cancer battle. We are the only comprehensive cancer center in our region, as designated by the National Cancer Institute. We have more than 70 locations throughout Pennsylvania, Ohio, and New York, with more than 200 oncologists – making it easier for you to find world-class care close to home. Our internationally renowned research team is striving to find new advances in prevention, detection, and treatment. Most of all, we are here for you. Our patient-first approach aims to provide you and your loved ones the care and support you need. To find a provider near you, visit our website.

About UPMC Magee-Womens

Built upon our flagship, UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital in Pittsburgh, and its century-plus history of providing high-quality medical care for people at all stages of life, UPMC Magee-Womens is nationally renowned for its outstanding care for women and their families.

Our Magee-Womens network – from women’s imaging centers and specialty care to outpatient and hospital-based services – provides care throughout Pennsylvania, so the help you need is always close to home. More than 25,000 babies are born at our network hospitals each year, with 10,000 of those babies born at UPMC Magee in Pittsburgh, home to one of the largest NICUs in the country. The Department of Health and Human Services recognizes Magee in Pittsburgh as a National Center of Excellence in Women’s Health; U.S. News & World Report ranks Magee nationally in gynecology. The Magee-Womens Research Institute was the first and is the largest research institute in the U.S. devoted exclusively to women’s health and reproductive biology, with locations in Pittsburgh and Erie.