Racial Discrimination Linked to Breast Cancer?

Well this is something I was surprised to read. In a recent article reported in the American Journal of Epidemiology, a study conducted has shown a possible link between black women who experience racial discrimination and breast cancer. During a six year study that followed 59,000 African American women, those who reported having experience more racial discrimination also had a higher risk of breast cancer.

Previous studies have shown that black women pose a greater risk for developing breast cancer than white women but before now, racial discrimination was not a known factor. Other risks factors included having a genetic predisposition or family history of cancer, as well as lifestyles and diet. The reason racial discrimination is now considered to be a risk factor is because discrimination can be a source of added stress which can adversely affect a person's physical health. Surely some people will say that everyone has experienced some form of discrimination in their lives regardless of race. While this is true, the women in this study reportedly faced such discrimination on a regular basis. From being treated unfairly in stores to being treated inferior in other settings, discrimination among these women was something they faced frequently.

For those women who did not face discrimination on a regular basis, their risk for developing breast cancer wasn't as high according to this study. By no means does this mean that women who are not frequently discriminated against have lower risk of developing breast cancer. Each woman's individual health and family history of cancer should be taken into consideration when determining her potential risk factor for developing breast cancer.

According to the American Journal of Epidemiology, more studies need to be done in order to confirm the findings linking racial discrimination to breast cancer. Many women face what is considered some form of stress everyday and so far, there has been no medical proof that facing stress can cause cancer. For women who experience discrimination, this does not necessarily mean that you will develop breast cancer or are at a greater risk for doing so. Having regular physical exams and mammograms as well as knowing your family's history of having breast and other cancers should keep you informed on whether you are at risk or not. Breast cancer awareness is something we should all practice and be informed of. Remember to perform regular self exams and if by chance some major stress factor you are dealing with starts to take a toll on your physical health, make an appointment to see your doctor.

Sources:
American Journal of Epidemiology, July 1, 2007
Yahoo News http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070705/hl_nm/racial_discrimination_dc