You Are Not Alone

A diagnosis of breast cancer is a fearful experience. We want you to know you are not alone. Black women and men diagnosed with breast cancer are coming together to support and encourage each other, learning how to be survivors as they deal with this disease.

About the AABCA

Black women who had experienced breast cancer founded the African American Breast Cancer Alliance, Inc. (AABCA) of Minnesota, in October 1990. The AABCA is dedicated to providing hope, awareness, education, emotional and social support to breast cancer survivors, their family members and the community. Information and action is particularly important because Black women tend to have more aggressive breast cancers at younger ages and benefit from earlier detection and aggressive treatments.

The AABCA has been recognized locally and nationally for its collaborative efforts and innovative educational materials. Being There!, our motto and title of our breast cancer information brochure for Black women, seeks to empower women to take charge of their health and take care of their lives by becoming knowledgeable about breast cancer.

The AABCA is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization located in Minnesota.

Know Your Facts

1. All women are at risk for breast cancer. All breast problems must be checked.
2. African American/Black women under the age of 40 have more aggressive and deadly tumors, need earlier, more frequent breast cancer screenings, and aggressive medical treatment to increase their survival advantages.
3. Elderly black women may be less aware of breast cancer risk factors or delay medical attention, which results in more advanced disease.
4. Breast cancer is a leading cause of death among black women
5. Please know that MEN can also get breast cancer! The symptoms are the same as for women. If you find any signs as listed below, see your doctor to be checked immediately. Look at and feel your pectoral muscles for any changes such as:
   • A lump in the pecs, chest, collarbone, nipples, torso, or underarms.
   • Discharge or fluid from the nipples that is bloody, clear, pus-like, or smells bad.
   • Skin changes that are bumpy, dark, different color, itchy, painful, rash-like, puckered, redness, sore/ulcer, shrunken, swollen, or tender.
   • Take charge of your health: Learn about your family’s cancer history as cancer of the breast, colon, ovaries and prostate are related and either side can carry the gene.
   • Reduce your alcohol and fat intake, reduce your weight, and increase your exercise.

A BIOPSY MUST BE DONE FOR ANY STRANGE BREAST CHANGE OR CONDITION!
RULE IT OUT – EARLY DETECTION
LIFE SAVING TREATMENTS – FIND A CURE!

Your Action Plan

Take charge of your breast health with a plan of action:

1. Monthly Breast Self-Exam (BSE)
2. Clinical Breast Exam (CBE) by your health care provider
3. Screening Mammogram, every year starting at age 35
4. If you don’t know how, “Ask somebody”. Seek early medical treatment; save your breasts, save your life.