Health Problems in Hispanic American/Latina Women: Breast Cancer

Women get breast cancer when cells in the breast don't grow right, and a tumor forms. Getting a mammogram (x-ray of the breast) can help find the cancer earlier, which gives women more treatment options and improves chances for survival. Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and the leading cause of cancer death among Hispanic American/Latina women. Although breast cancer is diagnosed about 30% less often among women of Hispanic origin, it is more often diagnosed at a later stage (when the disease is more advanced) than when found in non-Hispanic women, even when access to health care is adequate. Lower rates of using screening tests like mammography among Hispanic American/Latina women is thought to add to this later diagnosis.

We do not know how to prevent breast cancer. There are things women can do to reduce their risk, such as limiting how much alcohol they drink. However, it's vital for women to take steps to find breast cancer if they have it:

Women aged 40 and older should have a screening mammogram every 1 to 2 years. Women should perform a breast self-examination (BSE) every month.

The National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP) program provides free or low-cost breast cancer testing to women who don't have health insurance. Non-profit organizations and local health clinics are the main groups who provide the tests. To learn more about this program, please contact the CDC at 1-888-842-6355 or look on the Internet at www.cdc.gov/cancer

Publications

Cancer Facts - Cáncer de seno: ¿quién tiene el riesgo? (Breast Cancer: Who's at Risk?) - Esta hoja informativa trata de los factores de riesgo, síntomas, diagnóstico, causas y prevención del cáncer de seno.

Cancer Facts - Mamografías selectivas de detección: preguntas y respuestas - Esta hoja de datos contiene información sobre mamografía selectiva de detección y mamografía de diagnóstico. Tambien ofrece datos sobre el cáncer del seno y los factores de riesgo.

Cancer Facts - Screening Mammograms: Questions and Answers - This fact sheet explains screening mammograms as they differ from diagnostic mammograms and explains in clear language the benefits and limitations of screening mammography. This also gives National Cancer Institute's recommendations for when a woman should begin and how frequently she should continue having screening mammograms.

Organizations

Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, OPS, HHS

American Cancer Society

Cancer.gov

Cancer.gov en Español

National Alliance for Hispanic Health

National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program, NCCDPHP, CDC

Office on Women's Health, HHS

Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation