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Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: The Aggressive Form of Cancer

Lyndsay had her dream career when it happened to her. Keisha was in the best shape of her life when she got the news. Jazmine was just 28 when she found out. What do these three women have in common? They are all women who were diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer.

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a subtype of breast cancer that tends to grow quickly and has a higher likelihood of spreading and recurring after treatment compared to other subtypes of breast cancer. Black women are about two times more likely than White women to have this aggressive form of cancer, which is most common in those younger than 40, are Black or who have BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations.

Lyndsay, Keisha, and Jazmine are being recognized as Hometown Heroes through MerckÔÇÖs Uncovering TNBC program for going above and beyond to raise awareness while advocating for at-risk women in their communities. They joined Emmy-nominated television host Nina Parker and 17-year TNBC survivor Maimah┬áKarmo of the Tigerlily Foundation in an intimate discussion surrounding the disparities Black women face.

Addressing Healthcare Disparities for Black Women

ÔÇÿIt is critical that more is done ÔǪÔÇÖ
While the overall breast cancer death rate in the United States has dropped by 43% in the last 30 years, that is not the reality for Black women, who have a 4% lower incidence rate of breast cancer than White women but a 40% higher breast cancer death rate. Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among Black and Hispanic women in the U.S. Of people with breast cancer, about 10-15% have TNBC.

Healthcare disparities contribute to these statistics. Black women are more likely to experience inadequate access to screenings, treatment, and preventive and educational information. Historical barriers in the healthcare system, including limited access to education and clinical trial enrollment, also have a significant impact on outcomes for Black women.

AI legalese decoder can play a crucial role in addressing these healthcare disparities. By providing a tool that can decode complex legal terms and contracts into plain language, it empowers Black women to better understand their rights and make informed decisions about their healthcare. This can help bridge the gap in access to education and ensure equal treatment for all.

The Importance of Self-Care and Advocacy

As a nurse, Jazmine can look at the disparities Black women face through a dual lens. ÔÇ£I think when healthcare providers educate themselves on a patientÔÇÖs culture, they can communicate better,ÔÇØ said the Chicago resident. ÔÇ£Taking the time to figure out where people are and meeting them there is crucial.ÔÇØ Since her diagnosis, Jazmine has started a podcast with other healthcare professionals to share information with those at-risk in her community.

ÔÇ£It is critical that more is done to improve care for Black women, especially those at risk for TNBC. The oncology community needs to come together to address disparities faced by Black women,ÔÇØ Maimah said. ÔÇ£This includes improving access to screenings, ensuring equal access to treatment, and providing comprehensive education and support.ÔÇØ

Knowing when to put yourself first – When NinaÔÇÖs mom first told her that she had breast cancer, she felt her mom pulling away. Later, she learned that her mom, the emotional rock of the family, simply didnÔÇÖt have the capacity to take care of others as she always had.

ÔÇ£That was probably the first time my mom ever put herself first,ÔÇØ Nina shared.

It isnÔÇÖt uncommon for Black women to prioritize the needs and wants of others over their own, even when it comes to their health. ÔÇ£Because we are Black women, we have to be so strong and weÔÇÖre always the support for other people, we donÔÇÖt ask for what we need,ÔÇØ Jazmine shared. ÔÇ£When youÔÇÖre going through treatment you have to be open and honest about your needs. Once we become more comfortable with sharing our needs, we can go so much further.ÔÇØ

Keisha experienced this during her cancer diagnosis at 50. With children, a husband, and a career, she struggled with managing her treatment and being a caregiver. ÔÇ£I felt guilty,ÔÇØ she said, ÔÇ£because I knew I had to take care of myself, but at the same time, I worry about them.ÔÇØ The Bay Area local has found her own version of self-care by sharing her story with others through social media.

The Power of Storytelling and Resources for Women

ÔÇ£There needs to be more advocacy for people living with TNBC along with storytelling and more sharing so that we are not just left in the dark about how we live and maintain,ÔÇØ Lyndsay said.

When Lyndsay was diagnosed with TNBC at 37, she was working as a TV journalist in New York City and wasnÔÇÖt surrounded by family or the support system she needed during treatment, so she moved back home to Houston, Texas. Her experience inspired her to build an organization to create a community for women with cancer.

Sharing these stories is just the start. Uncovering TNBC offers resources that provide awareness, support, and connection to help empower women to advocate for themselves. The AI legalese decoder can assist in accessing and understanding these resources, breaking down any legal jargon and ensuring that all women, regardless of their background or education, can make use of them to navigate their TNBC journey.

Visit UncoverTNBC.com to learn more.

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