Regina Hall Urges Women To Get Breast Cancer Screenings: ‘We Have To Advocate for Ourselves’
The actress opens up about how early detection has helped save the lives of friends and loved ones
Key Takeaways
- Make mammograms a habit: Schedule screenings starting at 40 and repeat them yearly
- Close gaps in care: Ask about resources and know your screening options
- Speak up: Trust your instincts, bring support if needed and advocate for your health
Award-winning actress Regina Hall, 55, has captivated audiences with roles in notable films like The Best Man, the Scary Movie franchise and the Oscar-sweeping One Battle After Another. Now, the legendary star is turning her focus to health through her partnership with Novartis on the “Your Attention, Please” campaign, which shines a light on early breast cancer detection, racial disparities in diagnosis and the importance of understanding your risk. In an exclusive interview with Woman’s World, Hall shares what drew her to the campaign and what she wants women to know about breast cancer risk.
Why early breast cancer detection is so important
“Early breast cancer [sometimes called ‘stage 0 breast cancer’] is microscopic,” says Diane Alexander, MD, FACS, Member Surgeon of Olympus Cosmetic Group. “It does not hurt or announce itself, and it cannot be felt.”
“By the time a lump becomes noticeable to the hand, it is often already centimeters in size, meaning it has been growing silently for quite some time,” Dr. Alexander adds. “And at that point, treatment may require more than surgery. It may include chemotherapy, radiation or more aggressive interventions. This is why waiting for a symptom is not a strategy, but a deadly risk.”
Woman's World Answers
Regina Hall on racial disparities in early breast cancer detection
According to the American Cancer Society, early detection rates are lower for Black women, with 58 percent diagnosed at an early stage versus 68 percent of white women.
“Black women in the United States are more likely to die from breast cancer than white women, even though they are slightly less likely to be diagnosed,” adds Dr. Alexander. “This reflects a complex combination of factors: later detection, barriers to screening and follow-up care, differences in access to treatment and, in some cases, more aggressive tumor biology. But part of this is within our power to change. Awareness to access, detection advocacy, listening to patients, acting quickly and following through with early detection practices.”
Hall shared why it was important to join this campaign and help spotlight the disparity in cancer among Black and white women.
“My life has been touched by the women I know who have had breast cancer and been diagnosed early and overcome it, and they had the information,” said Hall. “I think it’s important for me, as a Black woman who’s surrounded by incredible women and women of color, that all of us would know our resources and be reminded of how important early detection is and how important it is to get our mammograms.”
“There’s a special attention that we need because of how it affects us and certain disparities that exist,” adds Hall. “But it’s a campaign for all women to pay attention to breast health, to get their mammograms—at 40 and up start getting mammograms—but even earlier to start having those conversations about our health, about our breast health and about resources that are available to us.”
Why keeping up with mammograms is so important
“A mammogram is a low-dose X-ray of the breast designed to detect abnormalities long before they can be felt,” says Dr. Alexander. “It is one of the most powerful tools we have in medicine; not because it treats cancer, but because it finds it early, when we still have the greatest ability to cure it.”
According to The Harris Poll, 48 percent of women delay or skip mammograms even when they’re recommended. Hall points to a common reality: Women are often last on their own to-do list.
“Obviously, people have lives and schedules and work, and life can get really full,” said Hall. “And sometimes in general, women may not put themselves first and take priority in themselves. They could be giving everyone else that kind of first priority. But I think this conversation is about urging women to make sure that they prioritize their health, their breast health and their exams because earlier detection does make a huge difference and it saves lives.”
Early detection can save lives
Mammograms are so important to Hall that she even worked scheduling one into her pre–red carpet glam routine. She said sharing that message during such a major moment felt personal after seeing those close to her affected by breast cancer.
“I have a friend, she got exams regularly, and thankfully, she did,” said Hall. “She discovered, because of that exam, that she had breast cancer, and she is wonderful and living and thriving and has been cancer free for over 15 years, same with many other people I know. So I think it was important at a time of celebration for women to celebrate themselves and their health.”
“I say this gently, but clearly: You do not get a mammogram because something feels wrong,” adds Dr. Alexander. “You get a mammogram to keep something from becoming wrong. If you wait for a lump, you are already late to the conversation. A normal physical exam does not rule out early cancer. A lack of symptoms does not equal the absence of disease.”
Regina Hall on advocating for your health
“I think women, we know our bodies, and if you feel a need, or you feel something, go talk to your doctor,” Hall says. “Talk to someone who you trust, and if you’re afraid to go alone, create a support system and advocate for yourself. If that woman’s intuition tells you that something is not right, go to your doctor, get a first opinion, a second opinion, a third opinion and really be vocal and speak up, because our health, it matters. I think it’s important that we align with the understanding that we have to advocate for ourselves.”
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