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Breast cancer is a global health issue, but African women are more likely to die from it than their Western counterparts. While studies show that Western and Caucasian women have higher rates of developing breast cancer, the survival rates in Africa are much lower due to a combination of factors.

3 possible reasons breast cancer is killing more African women | Pulse Uganda

Stella Takyiwaa Okyere

While studies show that Western and Caucasian women have higher rates of developing breast cancer, the survival rates in Africa are much lower due to a combination of factors. Understanding these reasons can help promote early detection and proper treatment.

One of the major reasons for high mortality among African women with <a data-link-role-code="open_new_tab" href="https://www.pulse.com.gh/lifestyle/beauty-health/10-common-breast-cancer-signs-that-you-should-never-ignore/6e09mg2">breast cancer is late detection</a>. In many cases, women do not undergo routine screenings and only seek medical help when the cancer is in its advanced stages.

This makes treatment more difficult and reduces the chances of survival. Routine checkups and early detection are key to saving lives, as early-stage breast cancer is far more treatable.

<h2>Choosing spirituality over medical help</h2>

Another contributing factor is the tendency to seek <a data-link-role-code="open_new_tab" href="https://www.pulse.com.gh/entertainment/gospel-music-losing-spirituality-artists-now-worldly-apostle-lenny/v6883by">spiritual</a> guidance over medical intervention. Many African women turn to spiritual leaders for prayers and direction when diagnosed with cancer, delaying necessary medical treatment.

While spirituality can be a source of comfort and support, it is crucial not to neglect timely medical care, which plays a vital role in treating and managing breast cancer.

Rodgers said in a podcast interview hosted by Marcus that taking ayahuasca, an ancient hallucinogenic plant-based drink, allowed him "see how to unconditionally love" himself. He added that it led him to "the best season" of his career in 2021."There's a lot of trust," Rodgers told Men's Health of the process of sitting for an ayahuasca trip. "And surrender, I think, is another good word. You have to surrender to the master plant teacher that is ayahuasca, and there's naturally some fear around that. And when you do, some pretty incredible things can happen, as was evidenced by night two of my most recent journey.""Night one I was still a little resistant, and night two, I fully surrendered to the process and to the master teacher, and she was benevolent in her lessons," he added. "There's a lot of overall happiness that exists when you have a deeper love for yourself. It actually allows you, I feel, to give and receive love better and interact with people with less judgment and less projection. So that's one thing I've really been working on."Indigenous tribes have used ayahuasca, a psychedelic drug, in spiritual medicine practices for thousands of years. But retreats have gained traction in recent years as people search for spiritual enlightenment or relief for mental and physical health issues.Mounting research suggests psychedelics have potential for treating mental health diagnoses including depression and PTSD that has not responded to other treatments. But more research is necessary before the drugs enter the mainstream, and trying ayahuasca can be risky if not done under the counsel of a doctor or experienced shaman. But Rodgers insists that his experiences with hallucinogens have helped him transcend his fears of underachievement and death."I definitely had a fear of death, and ayahuasca and psilocybin actually really helped me with that and [alleviated] a lot of the stress around the idea of needing to accomplish things before I actually die, and taking away some of that fear," Rodgers told McAfee. "I think when you've seen the other side it makes the idea of death more of a passage and less of an ending. More of kind of the next chapter of life."

The quarterback has turned to hallucinogens like ayahuasca for clarity.

<h2>Seeking herbal treatment instead of conventional medicine</h2>

The belief in traditional<a data-link-role-code="open_new_tab" href="https://www.pulse.com.gh/lifestyle/beauty-health/new-research-shows-herbal-medicine-is-the-emerging-antidote-to-cancer-find-out-more/2ww50wq"> herbal remedies</a> is also prevalent. Some women prefer to use herbal treatments over conventional medicine, trusting that herbs can cure cancer.

While some herbs may have beneficial properties, breast cancer is complex and requires specific, research-backed medical interventions. Relying solely on unproven herbal treatments can lead to worsening of the condition.

To reduce the high mortality rates of breast cancer among African women, there must be greater awareness about the importance of regular screenings, timely medical treatment, and the limitations of spiritual and herbal remedies.

Combining spiritual beliefs with proper medical care, and seeking help early, can drastically improve survival rates and save lives.

Early detection of breast cancer can save lives [PikWizard]

3 possible reasons breast cancer is killing more African women

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