Breast Cancer and Latinas: Stop Putting Yourself Last

Tu salud primero, mija. La familia te necesita aquí.

Para las que cuidan a todo el mundo menos a sí mismas.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and we need to talk about the way so many of us take care of everybody else first. The kids, the husband, mami, the abuela, the job. The mammogram keeps getting moved to "next month."

Why This Hits Our Community Different

According to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death for Hispanic and Latina women. Latinas actually get breast cancer at a lower rate than the general population, but they tend to be diagnosed younger, at later stages, and more often with aggressive types like triple negative breast cancer. BCRF points to missed mammograms and lack of follow up on abnormal results as part of the reason.

Later diagnosis is the part we can change. Found early, breast cancer is much easier to treat.

The Excuses We Tell Ourselves

• "No tengo tiempo." A screening takes less time than a wash day.
• "No tengo seguro." Free and low cost programs exist. Ask the American Cancer Society or your community clinic.
• "Me da pena." Feeling shy or embarrassed is normal. You can ask for a female technician.
• "Si no me duele, estoy bien." Early breast cancer often does not hurt. That is exactly why screening matters.
• "No quiero preocupar a la familia." Getting checked is how you protect them.

Conoce tu cuerpo / Know Your Normal

Know how your breasts usually look and feel. Tell your doctor about a new lump, swelling, skin dimpling, nipple changes, or pain that does not go away. Most changes are not cancer. Get them checked anyway.

If Treatment Means Hair Loss

For many women, losing their hair is one of the hardest parts. Not every treatment causes it, but many chemotherapy drugs do.

• Ask before treatment starts whether hair loss is likely and whether scalp cooling (a cold cap) is an option for you.
• Be gentle with a tender scalp. Satin caps, silk scarves, and soft pañuelos. Nothing tight.
• Protect a bare scalp from sun and cold.
• Expect regrowth to be different. It may come back curlier, straighter, or a different color. That is common.

When the Regrowth Comes In

Once your care team says it is okay, treat new growth gently. Low tension styles, a sulfate free wash, and a light touch of oil instead of heavy product.

Preguntas Frecuentes / FAQ

When should I start getting mammograms?
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends every two years starting at 40 for women at average risk. With a family history, ask your doctor about starting sooner.

I don't have insurance. Can I still get screened?
Often, yes. Call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345 or your local community health center to ask about free or low cost programs.

Can I use hair products during chemo?
Ask your oncology team first. Treatment can make the scalp sensitive.

Sources: Breast Cancer Research Foundation, Breast Cancer in Hispanic and Latina Women (2026); U.S. Preventive Services Task Force; American Cancer Society. This article is for awareness, not medical advice.

Con amor, CEOLorenze