Cancer Screening and Management
Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer for women in the world. It is the second leading cause of cancer death for women in the state and the nation. Breast cancer is a disease that causes breast tissue cells in the body to change and grow out of control. These cancer cells may form a lump or mass called a tumor, which can either remain in one area of the breast or spread throughout the breast. If the spread of these cells is not controlled, death can occur. Although white women are more likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer, minority women stand the greatest chance of dying from the disease.
Prostate Cancer
With the exception of skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men. For American men, only lung cancer claims more lives than prostate cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 220,900 new cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed in 2003, and an estimated 28,900 men will die from the disease in the United States.
Prostate cancer is a disease that causes cells of the prostate gland to change and grow out of control. Although most prostate cancers grow slowly, there are some prostate cancers that spread quickly to other parts of the body. Prostate cancer is most common among men who are 65 years or older, but African American men are more likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer and also to die at all ages.
Quick Facts
Breast Cancer
- One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime.
- The greatest risk factors for breast cancer are being a woman and aging.
- In 2002, there were an estimated 3,100 cases of female breast cancer and 600 women will die of the disease in South Carolina. (courtesy of American Cancer Society)
- African American females in South Carolina are nearly twice as likely to die of breast cancer than are white females.
- Men can get breast cancer, although it is rare. For every man diagnosed with breast cancer, there are more than 100 women diagnosed.
Prostate Cancer
- In 2002, an estimated 3,100 new cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed in South Carolina, and 500 deaths will be attributed to the disease.
- African American males in South Carolina are more than three times as likely to die of prostate cancer than are white males.
- According to the American Cancer Society's latest statistics, South Carolina has the third highest prostate cancer mortality rate among the 50 states and Washington, D.C.
To learn more about health disparities for cancer, please see the following resources:
SC Department of Health and Environmental Control
- Bureau of Chronic Disease Prevention and Control
- Real Men Checkin' It Out
A Prostate screening and education initiative, from the SCDHEC Office of Minority Health.
Other Resources
- Closing The Gap website (The Office of Minority Health Resource Center)
- The American Cancer Society
- The National Cancer Institute