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As we celebrate Black History Month, we celebrate the remarkable achievements and resilience of Black people across the globe, we also honor the strength, resilience, and achievements of Black women throughout history. I want to take a moment, this month to shine a light and address a pressing issue that disproportionately affects Black women – breast cancer.
Breast cancer remains one of the leading causes of death among Black women, and despite medical advancements, Black women are more likely to be diagnosed at later stages and experience worse outcomes compared to their white counterparts. Why? The reasons are complex and deeply rooted in generational, social, and economic factors, including limited access to quality healthcare, genetic predispositions, and even cultural perceptions about illness and self-care.
This issue is deeply personal to me. As many of you know, I am a breast cancer survivor. This journey has been a profound teacher, revealing not only the strength of the human spirit but also the critical need for self-care and awareness within our community. I was diagnosed at Stage 0/1, and early detection was key to my survival!
The statistics are stark: Black women are more likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer at younger ages and with more aggressive forms of the disease. We are also more likely to die from breast cancer than white women. These disparities are rooted in a complex interplay of factors, including genetics, socioeconomic inequities, and access to healthcare.
After weighing my options, I chose to undergo a mastectomy, a decision that, along with proper treatment and care, gave me a new lease on life. I shared my story, resources, and insights in my book, Cancer and the Ribbon of Resilience, published by Amazon in October 2024. My journey has taught me that knowledge, early action, and community support can make all the difference.
Generational trauma, often stemming from systemic racism and discrimination, can also play a significant role. Stress, anxiety, and other mental health challenges can take a toll on our physical well-being, increasing our vulnerability to disease.
Many Black women carry a higher genetic risk for more aggressive forms of breast cancer, such as triple-negative breast cancer. Additionally, family history plays a critical role—if your mother, grandmother, or sister has had breast cancer, your risk increases. Yet, for decades, many Black women have not had the same access to early screening and genetic counseling that could have led to earlier detection and treatment.
Environmental factors also contribute to this disparity. From the use of certain hair care products linked to increased breast cancer risk to disproportionate exposure to environmental toxins in predominantly Black communities, these issues must be addressed at both personal and systemic levels.
But amidst these challenges, there is hope. We have a legacy of strength, resilience, and community that has carried us through countless trials. And now, armed with knowledge and empowered by self-love, we can face this challenge head-on.
While systemic change is necessary, self-care is a crucial tool in our fight against breast cancer. Self-care is not selfish—it is survival. As Black women, we must take charge of our health and well-being by prioritizing preventive care and early detection. This Black History Month, I urge you to prioritize your health. Here are a few things you can do:
At The Garden of HOPE Foundation USA, we stand by the principle that we rise by lifting others. This Black History Month, let’s commit to empowering one another by sharing knowledge, providing support, and ensuring that no woman in our community feels alone in this fight.
To all my sisters, aunties, and friends—your health matters. You matter. Take care of yourself so you can continue to be the powerhouse that history has always known you to be.
With love and HOPE,