Ms. Jolie was able to keep her diagnosis and resulting surgeries out of the public eye, which is an amazing feat. Her decision to reveal it was to share her story so that her influence would inspire other woman to take care of themselves.
This announcement had an immediate impact on women, especially for one lady many of us see on a daily basis. Zoraida Sambolin, mother of 2 adorable children, engaged to be married, and a news anchor for CNN revealed her personal battle with cancer. Following Angelina's op-ed she found the confidence to tell the world, that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer. She said in interviews that she struggled with how to communicate to her audience, about her illness and leave of absence from the newsroom.Zoraida said that she is "grateful" to Angelina Jolie for having the courage to not only take the proactive approach to fighting the disease but also being willing to share such a personal matter with the world.
I applaud these women for their courage, strength, and willingness to bear their soul in front of the world. HOWEVER...it also made me feel a sense of dread for women, especially WOMEN OF COLOR who are unable for one reason or another, to seek the care they need before, during, and after.The obvious barriers to care are a lack of insurance, or insurance that does not cover preventative care like cancer screening. The BRCA1 and BRCA2 performed by Jolie's doctors to determine the probability of her cancer risk costs approximately $3,000 US. A cost out of reach for many women and families in this economic climate.
However, there are barriers that rest within ourselves that make us scared to confront this disease head on.
The statistics make it clear that while black women are less likely to get a diagnosis for breast cancer in comparison with white women, our mortality rate is higher. According to the American Cancer Society's report, Cancer Facts & Figures for African American's 2013-2014, "African American women have a lower risk of cancer overall than white women, largely due to lower incidence rates for the two most common cancers, breast and lung. However, African American women have higher death rates overall and for breast and several other cancer sites."
Deeper, more psychological reasons have a place in why African American women death rates are higher than white women. There is tremendous fear about Cancer. Most women would prefer to never have the need to discuss it, because it is scary to think about. Cancer kills so many people every year, that the thought of having it no matter the stage, is a scary proposition.
The testing to determine cancer is also a scary proposition because of the horror stories women share with one another. I remember how afraid I was prior to my first mammogram (age 39). The only thing I could think about what the pain associated with getting a mammogram, and having to stand in that painful position and hold my breath.
If you are afraid, you are less likely to go. I can report that I had no pain associated with my mammogram. I had a very nice technician, but I also was prepared to to have a constant dialogue with her related to my pain level.Another fear is the thought I having surgery, such as a mastectomy which removes not only your breasts, but also your nipples. In the case of gynecological cancers, removal of your cervix and uterus, this removes a woman ability to carry and have a baby.
Our femininity is tied to our physical attributes. Are you still a woman without your breasts, or without the ability to have a baby?
These decisions are difficult no matter who we are. But what I do know is that we have to get tested regularly and early. It is time that we take control of ourselves today to ensure a healthy future.
"Life comes with many challenges. The ones that should not scare us are the ones we can take on and take control of." - Angelina Jolie
To read Angelina Jolie's op-ed, click the link below:
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/05/14/opinion/my-medical-choice.html?smid=pl-share
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