Understanding Health Risks for Black Women

Understanding the Risks

Black women are enjoying a longer life expectancy today. However, this life expectancy still remains nearly four years less than their white female peers.

What is causing the discrepancy? According to the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, researchers suspect it’s because younger Black women are more likely to suffer from diseases that affect white women later in age. As you might suspect, living with a disease for many years wears down the body. This slow wearing results in earlier death.

It has been found that Black women are at greater risk for many conditions, including the following: 

• Cancer
• Diabetes 
• Heart disease 
• High blood pressure
• Infant mortality
• Kidney disease
• Mental health disorders
• Stroke

Supporting a Change

Lowering the incidence of these diseases requires addressing the root causes of health disparities. Raising awareness of the overt and implicit bias affecting Black women throughout their lives is needed to address these forces in a meaningful way.

One big step is enhancing provider-patient communication to ensure that everyone speaks the same language. Clear discussions about disease risks, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and prevention empower every patient to expect—and ask for—equitable care. Involving or enhancing the role of community health workers and educators may help promote trust and communication.

In addition, research indicates that patients have better outcomes when treated by people with a similar appearance. Training and engaging more health care providers of color is an important part of improving care for diverse communities.

With these steps things can change, starting today.

The Heart of the Matter

One of the most pressing health needs facing Black women is heart disease. According to the American Heart Association, by the age of 20, nearly half of all Black women will be living with a type of heart disease.

If you are a Black woman, take heart disease to heart. Talk with your physician today to find out if you’re showing early signs or symptoms of heart disease.

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