During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a lot of discussion is raised about breast cancer screening, prevention, and treatments. While these conversations are vital (and can save lives), they’re often missing an important part of the dialogue: women of color are more likely to suffer and die from breast cancer. In fact, African American women are 40% more likely (opens in new tab) than white women to die from their breast cancer. Why the staggering inequity? Health guidelines weren't designed for African American women, and their risk is different for a few reasons. African American women are statistically more likely (opens in new tab) to have diabetes, heart disease, and obesity, and are less likely to breastfeed after childbirth. These are all risk factors for breast cancer. Research has also revealed that African American women are disproportionately affected by more aggressive forms of breast cancer, such as triple-negative breast cancer, and inflammatory breast cancer. Historically, breast exams have also not been accessible for everyone, which impacts women across various social and economic groups. The exams are expensive, and not widely available in rural areas. What’s more, only 22% of women on Medicaid engage in the early detection options that are currently available to them. All of this means that unfortunately, a lot of women end up getting left behind. Safe, reliable, and easy breast cancer screenings should be accessible to all women – and the Bexa Equity Alliance (BEA) (opens in new tab) is here to make that happen.
The BEA is on a mission to provide an effective breast cancer early detection solution designed specifically for underserved and overlooked women in every community. Bexa, their medical device, provides a new kind of breast exam: the technology uses no radiation meaning it's even safe to use during pregnancy. Bexa is also highly effective – 96% of women who receive the exam do not require further tests or studies. 100% of Bexa examiners are women, trained to treat each participant with respect and dignity. The entire exam typically takes about 30 minutes to complete, and women get their results immediately after the examination.