Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Caring for body and mind

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It’s a time to share information and show support.

Breast cancer can affect anyone, but African American women are more likely to face the most aggressive forms of the disease. This is due to multiple factors, including environmental conditions, access to care and the lack of representation of people of color in clinical research. The American Cancer Society (ACS) reports that breast cancer deaths in U.S. women dropped by 43% from 1989 to 2020. This is significant progress. However, Black women are more likely to die from breast cancer than any other racial group. This happens even though Black women get breast cancer less often.

At Aetna Better Health® of Illinois, we want to make sure women know the risks and have the care they need for both body and mind. Research shows that African American women:

• Are often diagnosed at a younger age.
• Are more likely to get more aggressive forms of cancer that grow and spread faster.
• Have a higher chance of dying from breast cancer compared to any other racial group.

This is why screenings and mammograms are so important. They can find cancer early, when treatment works best.

Breast cancer does not just affect the body, it can affect your feelings, too. Women may feel scared, sad or stressed. No one should face these feelings alone. Aetna Better Health of Illinois offers support like:

• Counselors and therapists who listen and give guidance.
• Support groups where women can encourage each other.
• 24/7 phone lines to talk to someone right away.

Good mental health care helps women stay hopeful and encouraged during treatment and keeps families inspired through the journey. In recent decades, there have been tremendous advances in cancer treatments resulting in patients returning to a sense of normalcy. We’re here to support you every step of the way. We encourage women to:

• Get regular mammograms.
• Talk with their doctor about risks and family history.
• Reach out for emotional support and mental health care.

This October, let’s do more than wear pink. Let’s spread the word. Get checked and support one another. Learn more about screenings, care and support from Aetna Better Health of Illinois. Call Member Services at 1-866-329-4701 (TTY: 711) for information on care management and mental health resources.