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Seminar Focuses On Black Women's Health
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Published: May 16, 2008
TAMPA - Black women are more likely to have diabetes, hypertension and certain forms of breast cancer than the general community. Yet many are reluctant to seek early treatment.
"African-American women in general don't get the appropriate care they need," says Shonda Perry, a physician at St. Joseph's Women's Hospital. "Many don't have access to care, they fear going to a physician. There are so many obstacles they face."
Black women can learn more about chronic health issues and the steps they can take to stay well at the "Ladies Night Out: Keeping Women of Color Healthy" event Wednesday at the hospital. The seminar will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. in the fourth floor classrooms of the Women's Pavilion.
The event is free and includes a light dinner. Registration is required; call (813) 870-4747.
Perry will touch on several health issues, including nephrosis, lower respiratory disease, HIV/AIDS and septicemia. Susan Baker, nurse navigator for the Breast Center at St. Joseph's Women's Hospital, will speak on breast health.
The monthly Ladies Night Out seminars were launched in 2005 to educate women in the community about a various health topics.
It's the first time the event will focus on health concerns of black women.
"We really wanted to do something to reach the African-American community," says Brenda Breslow, clinical resource manager for St. Joseph's. "It's one of the few times they can come together and get free health information geared specifically toward them."
Although a higher percentage of white women are diagnosed with breast cancer, black women have a higher death rate, Baker says. Black women also tend to be diagnosed later than white women.
"That's partially because of how late we wait to seek out treatment and some early detection methods," Baker says. "Lack of information and knowledge, lack of access, transportation issues, there's a multitude of issues that contribute to late diagnosis."
Baker also will shed light on a form of breast cancer unique to black women called "triple negative." The cancer is a triple threat because it strikes early, it's resistant to standard drug treatments and it's more likely to kill.
Black women should practice the three components of good breast health from the American Cancer Society, Baker says. They include an annual mammography beginning at age 40, clinical breast exams by a health care provider and breast self-examinations.
"Following these guidelines would significantly help an early detection, which is the key to survival," Baker says.
Perry says black women should spend more time educating themselves about health concerns by reading textbooks, Internet medical sites, and talking to a physician and each other.
"My goal is to help educate as many black women as possible about health issues that affect them," Perry says. "Even if I generate some type of conversation about these issues, it'll be a success."
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