I use this platform to advocate for men’s health, focusing on diseases that adversely affect Black men such as colorectal cancer, heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, lung cancer, and prostate cancer.
However, I want to address an issue that deeply affects women’s health – breast cancer.
Approximately 1 in 8 U.S. women (about 13%) will develop invasive breast cancer throughout their lifetime.
Notably, breast cancer is more common in Black women under 45 years old than in white women, and overall, Black women are more likely to die from it.
According to the American Cancer Society, Black women have a 41% higher breast cancer death rate than white women.
Sadly, these statistics are more than just numbers to me. One of my aunts lost her battle with breast cancer, and several women in my inner circle have been affected by the disease.
About eight years ago, I received a call from my friend, who is more like my brother.
The conversation began with the usual pleasantries, but I sensed something was off; his usually vibrant voice was subdued.
After a few moments of silence, he said words that hit me hard:
“My wife has breast cancer.”
She had gone in for a routine mammogram and received the devastating news shortly after.
I was at a loss for words but promised to support them every step of the way as she began treatment.
The journey was long and brutal. There were times we weren’t sure she’d overcome the disease.
My friend and I had many heartfelt conversations about the future and what it might hold for him and their children. We spent countless nights talking, crying, and praying, feeling utterly drained.
Thankfully, the treatment worked.
I’m overjoyed to share that his wife has been cancer-free for over five years. She was fortunate because early detection saved her life.
Just recently, my friend, Sy Smith, shared her breast cancer journey on social media. When I saw her first post about her diagnosis, it was a gut punch. This is what she said:
I was recently diagnosed with stage zero breat cancer. The good news is I’m gonna be fine…Ladies don’t forget to go get your mammograms. It’s really important…Go get yours. That’s how I caught mine early.
Sy Smith, musician
According to the American Cancer Society, when breast cancer is detected early and is still localized, the five-year relative survival rate is 99%. This underscores the critical importance of regular screenings.
This October, during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, please encourage your loved ones to schedule a mammogram—especially those in high-risk categories.
This simple act can make a life-saving difference.
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Frederick J. Goodall is the Editor-in-Chief of Mocha Man Style, media spokesperson, event host, photographer, and a top social media influencer in Houston, TX. He likes to write about fashion, cars, travel, and health.