Frequently Asked Questions

Breast Health:

At what age should women start getting mammograms?

According to American Cancer Society, women ages 40 to 44 should have the choice to start annual breast cancer screening with mammograms if they wish to do so. Be sure to discuss with your healthcare provider .

Do black women have a higher probability of getting breast cancer?

According to the American Cancer Society, overall, white women are slightly more likely to develop breast cancer than African American women. However, in women under age 40, breast cancer is more common in African American women.

When should families start having candid conversations about breast health, hereditary illnesses, and their family's medical history?

Families should start conversation as soon as possible by also making sure the conversation is age appropriate. This discovery also includes gathering pertinent information, recording details, sharing and store all information in safe place for others.

Should men be equally concerned about breast cancer?

Breast cancer occurs mainly in women, but men can get it, too. Contact your medical provider to discuss your questions or concerns.

How can families support loved-ones who have been diagnosed with cancer?

Families can provide support by:

Showing love, compassion and understanding.
Learning as much as you can about the disease process.
Attending appointments.
Asking for help with practical tasks.
Being a good listener.
Respecting their need for privacy.

Grief:

How do I overcome feeling guilty about someone’s death?

Talk to someone who knows the person. Be honest about your feelings. As you express your feelings, the memories of the person help move you from guilt to happiness.

When will I feel like myself again?

There is no timeline when grief will end. Living with grief is different for everyone. Allow yourself to go through the grieving process and seek help along the way.

How do I identify triggers of grief?

Triggers are anything that brings up memory of a loss that has happened to you. Most times we think of the obvious like holidays, birthdays, and the anniversary of the death. Often these triggers are upsetting but learning to share memories with others will help you cope with your loss.

How can I honor my loved-ones' memory?

Keep their legacy alive by:

Telling their story.
Making donations in their name.
Starting a fundraising or scholarship to support a charity in their honor.
Being intentional to about spread their legacy from generation to generation.