Compared to White women, Black women have higher rates of breast cancer at younger ages. Black women are also more likely to be diagnosed with more aggressive forms of breast cancer compared to White women. Black women are more likely to die from breast cancer compared to White women. This is most likely because Black women tend to be diagnosed at later stages of breast cancer, when their cancer is less treatable. Getting regular mammograms and other screenings recommended by your doctors can ensure that if you have cancer it will be caught early, while it is more treatable.

It is also important to understand your personal risk factors for breast cancer because some women who are at higher risk need to start their breast cancer screening earlier, have it more frequently, and include additional tests to make sure their breast cancers are caught early.

Risk assessment helps researchers, clinicians and other providers determine if an individual is at higher risk for certain health outcomes. In the case of breast cancer, we can determine whether an individual may be at higher risk for breast cancer by asking specific questions, including questions about personal as well as family history of breast cancer.

Click here to assess your individual risk for breast cancer by taking our risk assessment tool.