Saving Their Own Lives

U.S. guidelines recommend mammograms for women between 50 and 74 every two years, guidance that leaves many women at risk.

Breast-cancer diagnoses in the 40-to-49 age range have been found to be more common in Black, Hispanic, Ashkenazi Jewish and Asian women.

Researchers say guidelines using data from largely white populations can have life-or-death consequences for younger women of color, who now find it crucial to advocate for themselves.

“Early detection saves lives,” said Beulah Brent of Sisters Working It Out, an organization in Chicago that works to minimize high mortality rates in Black women.