Black women have a 4 percent lower rate of breast cancer compared to white women, yet a 40 percent higher breast cancer death rate, according to the American Cancer Society.
SIU Medicine hosted an event to educate women, especially those in the Black community, about early detection, breast cancer screenings, advocating for care, supporting others who have breast cancer and options for breast reconstruction after breast cancer surgery. The community awareness gathering was held at CAP 1908.
A panel of experts discussed wellness measures for women. Presenters included:
Erica Austin, breast reconstruction patient and Deputy Director, SIU Medicine Office of External Relations & Behavioral Health Workforce Center
Wendi El-Amin, MD, Associate Dean for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at SIU Medicine
Cynthia Thomas, MD, Associate Professor, Family and Community Medicine
Nicole Florence, MD, Medical Director and Bariatrician, Memorial Wellness Center
Nicole Sommer, MD, Director, SIU Medicine Cosmetic Clinic and Plastic Surgeon
“Open, authentic conversations and addressing the barriers that create racial disparities in our community can play a critical role in reducing these rates,” said Wendi EI-Amin, MD, a family medicine physician and the associate dean for equity, diversity and inclusion at SIU Medicine. “The health care system itself often can be a barrier to African-American women seeking and receiving timely, appropriate screening and care, which could dangerously delay a potential breast cancer diagnosis.”
On June 2, SIU Medicine employee and Springfield District 186 School Board Member Erica Austin was diagnosed with breast cancer. Two months later, she underwent oncoplastic breast reduction surgery. A documentary short of her journey will be a component of the event.
“I’m grateful that my doctors listened to me and are helping me through my breast cancer journey in the way I advocated for myself,” Austin said. “But, I know a lot of people in the Black community have a hesitancy to even go to the doctor. I hope that my story can help them seek the care they want and need.”
braDuring Breast Cancer Awareness month, October 18 is set aside for Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day. “BRA Day inspires women to know that they have options, and life beyond breast cancer can be amazing. Thanks to my surgeons, I’m proof of that,” said Austin.
BRA Day is a collaboration between the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the Plastic Surgery Foundation, plastic surgeons specializing in breast surgery, corporate partners and breast cancer support groups.