There's been much ado about the new mammography recommendations released by the U.S. Prevention Task Force. Why have the changed the recommended age for a woman's first mammogram from 40 to 50? Are self-exams really pointless? What does this mean for African American women, who have a higher breast cancer death rate?

Continue reading "Expert Advice: Mammograms, More or Less" »

The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) announced that it would no longer recommend routine mammograms for women between the ages of 40 and 49, a group that accounts for about one out of six breast cancers.

Otis W. Brawley, the Chief Medical Officer of the American Cancer Society, disagrees.

 "We cannot underestimate the importance of mammograms in detecting breast cancer at its early, most-treatable stage." Read more...

Continue reading "American Cancer Society: Get Mammography By 40" »

Continue reading "AA Women and Mammography" »

Continue reading "Mammogram Guidelines May Be Wrong for AA Women" »

Sophia Nelson lost her friend Francene Robinson to Triple Negative Breast Cancer on June 5, 2009. In this personal commentary, Nelson talks about her loss and why we have to do more than just wear pink ribbons this month.

Continue reading "Losing My Friend to Triple Negative Breast Cancer" »

Former cohost of CBS' "The Early Show," Rene Syler explains to ESSENCE.com the steps she took to make the life-altering decision to have a double bilateral prophylactic mastectomy to avoid breast cancer, what her recovery was like and why some people thought she was playing God with her own body.

Continue reading "René Syler's Decision to Have a Double Bilateral Prophylactic Mastectomy " »

As a global ambassador for the Susan G. Komen for the Cure's Circle of Promise campaign, which supports and services African-American women, Gabrielle Union is dedicating her efforts to ensure women take the necessary steps to prevent the spread of breast cancer. Union is also featured in a new DVD, "Breast Cancer: The Path of  Wellness & Healing," out this month. In her own words, she explains why the cause is so important to her and encourages you to commemorate National Breast Cancer Awareness Month by getting tested.

Continue reading "Gabrielle Union on Why She's Dedicated to Raising Breast Cancer Awareness in Our Community" »

Breast cancer is serious business, but it doesn't have to mean a death sentence. We've rounded up Black women of all ages who are surviving and thriving after being diagnosed.

Meet ten survivors »