Bowie State University Counseling Department Professor Nikki Ham is on a mission to empower Black and Brown women to take proactive measures in their health, particularly regarding the risks of breast cancer. During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Ham advocated for more open discussions about mastectomies as a viable option to reduce cancer risk and eliminate the stigma surrounding the procedure.
Breast cancer remains a critical health concern, especially among women of color. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths for these women. In light of this alarming statistic, Dr. Ham shares her journey to raise awareness and encourage others to consider their options.
Her decision to undergo a double mastectomy—a surgical procedure to remove both breasts—followed years of careful consideration and participation in a comprehensive risk assessment program at Luminous Health’s Anne Arundel Medical Center. This program included genetic testing, MRIs, sonograms, medications, and counseling with medical professionals. Drawing from her family’s history with breast cancer, which included the loss of a relative to the disease and another who survived, Ham felt compelled to take action.
“The mastectomy has reduced my risk of contracting breast cancer by 90%,” she shared. “I needed to be proactive, weighed preventive options, and elected to have the mastectomy. I made the final decision but not without ongoing consultation from my physician team, husband, and prayers.”
Statistics That Matter
The American Cancer Society projects that nearly 360,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2024 alone, with an estimated 42,500 fatalities. Alarmingly, Black and Brown women are 40% more likely to die from breast cancer than their White counterparts and often receive diagnoses at later stages of the disease. Additionally, they face higher rates of diabetes, heart disease, and obesity—factors that contribute to increased breast cancer risk.
“A double mastectomy to reduce the odds of contracting breast cancer isn’t the answer for everyone,” said Ham. “But it is an option that some women may want to consider. The first line of defense is mammograms. All women must be tested regularly for breast cancer.”
Ham underwent her first surgery in August 2023 and her second surgery on May 30, 2024.
By engaging family members, friends, colleagues, and the media, Professor Nikki Ham hopes to dismantle mastectomies’ stigma and inspire other women to seek the necessary information and resources for their health and well-being.
