Chicago Family Health Center to strengthen women’s health program

October 1, 2007

Every three minutes, a woman in the Unites States is diagnosed with breast cancer. Breast cancer is the leading cancer among white and African-American women, although African-American women are more likely to die from the disease. Chicago Family Health Center realizes the importance of breast cancer awareness in the community, and has targeted women’s health as one of the key strategies for its capital campaign.

Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer among African-American women and the most commonly diagnosed cancer among Hispanic women in the United States. The American Cancer Society estimated in 2006 that 19,000 African-American and 14,000 Hispanic women were diagnosed with breast cancer. While the occurrence of breast cancer is lower in African-American and Hispanic women than white women after the age of 35, the disease is more frequently diagnosed at a later stage than when found in non-Hispanic women. African-American women also have a lower survival rate for breast cancer. African-American women with breast cancer are less likely than white women to survive five years: 76 percent vs. 90 percent.

Why the drastic difference? African-American women with breast cancer are less likely than European-American women to have mammogram screenings, even though they have the same screening guidelines and share similar health care access, according to a Henry Ford Health System study. The 10-year study also found that African-American women under 50 are diagnosed with a later stage of breast cancer. Historically, limited access to health care among this population has contributed to later diagnosis, when the disease is more advanced.

These statistics underline the importance of mammograms in addition to self-exams, especially in non-white women. If breast cancer is detected early, the five-year survival rate exceeds 95 percent. Mammograms are among the best early detection methods, yet only 57 percent of women in Chicago have had one.

The National Cancer Institute and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommend that women in their 40s and older have mammograms every one to two years. A complete early detection plan also includes regular clinical breast examinations by a trained medical professional. Monthly breast self-exams are suggested in addition.

Chicago Family Health Center is committed to creating a women’s health program that will increase the access to mammogram services while increasing awareness about breast health and breast cancer. CFCH’s women’s health program focuses on education, early detection, self-examination, choices for treatment, and emotional support. With funding raised through the Capital Campaign, CFHC will strengthen its ability to provide these much-deserved services.