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Lindsay got her dream career when it happened to her. Keisha was in the best shape of her life when she heard her news. Jazmin was only 28 when she found out. What do these three women have in common? They are all women diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer.
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a subtype of breast cancer that tends to grow more rapidly than other subtypes of breast cancer and is more likely to metastasize and recur after treatment. Black women are about twice as likely to get this aggressive cancer as white women, and it is most common in women under 40, black, or black. BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation.
Lindsey, Keisha, and Jazmin are proud to be recognized for going above and beyond to raise awareness while advocating for at-risk women in their communities through Merck’s Uncovering TNBC program. He is recognized as a town hero. They joined Emmy-nominated television host Nina Parker and 17-year TNBC survivor Maima Carmo of the Tiger Lily Foundation for an intimate discussion about the disparities faced by Black women.
“It is important that we do more…”
While breast cancer mortality rates across the United States have decreased by 43% over the past 30 years, the reality for Black women is not the same. Black women have a 40% higher incidence of breast cancer than white women, although they are 4% lower. Breast cancer mortality rate. Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among black and Hispanic women in the United States. Approximately 10-15% of breast cancer patients have her TNBC.
Health care disparities contribute to these statistics. Black women are more likely to have inadequate access to testing, treatment, prevention and educational information. Historical barriers in the health care system, such as limited access to education and enrollment in clinical trials, also significantly impact outcomes for Black women.
As a nurse, Jazmin is able to see the disparities that Black women face through a dual lens. “I think when health care providers educate their patients about their culture, they can communicate better,” the Chicago resident said. “It’s important to take the time to understand where people are and meet them there.” Since receiving her diagnosis, Jazmin has started a podcast with other medical professionals who are at risk in the community. Sharing information with people.
“It is critical that we do more to improve care for Black women, especially those at risk for TNBC. The oncology community comes together to address the disparities faced by Black women.” There is a need,” Maima said. “This includes improving access to testing, ensuring equal access to treatment, and providing comprehensive education and support.”
Know when to prioritize yourself
When Nina’s mother first told her she had breast cancer, she felt distant. Later, she learned that her mother, who is the spiritual rock of her family, did not have the ability to take care of others as she usually did.
“This was probably the first time my mom put herself first,” Nina said.
It is not uncommon for Black women to put the needs and desires of others before their own, even when it comes to their own health. “We have to be so strong because we are black women, and we always have to support others, we don’t ask for what we need,” Jazmin shared. did. “When receiving treatment, you must be open and honest about your needs. The more comfortable you are with sharing your needs, the further you will be able to make progress.”
Keisha experienced this when she was diagnosed with cancer at age 50. With her children, her husband, and a career, she was struggling to balance her treatment and caregiving. “She felt guilty. She felt like she had to take care of herself, but she was also worried about them,” she said. Told. The Bay Area resident has found her version of self-care by sharing her story with others through her social media.
the power of stories
“We need more advocacy for people living with TNBC, along with more storytelling and more sharing so we are not left in the dark about how we live and sustain ourselves,” Lindsay said. Ta.
When Lindsey was diagnosed with TNBC at age 37, she was working as a television journalist in New York City, but because she didn’t have the family or support system she needed during treatment, she moved back to her home in Houston, Texas. . Her experience inspired her to start an organization that creates a community for women with cancer.
Sharing these stories is just the beginning. Uncovering TNBC provides resources that provide awareness, support, and connection to empower women to advocate for themselves.visit UncoverTNBC.com You can learn more.
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