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How Disparities in Breast Cancer Affects Women of Color

How Disparities in Breast Cancer Affects Women of Color

Dana Donofree
2 min read

We face many inequalities and disparities in our breast cancer community, however being black is one of the deadliest. Your skin color should never negate the right to live. At AnaOno, we recognize these disparities and are advocating for change. 

The American Cancer Society's report states: 

  • Black women face a much high mortality rate from breast cancer than their white counterparts.
  • Black women have a higher risk of breast cancer recurrence. 
  • Black women diagnosed at a young age are more likely to have an abnormal BRCA1 or BRCA2 genetic mutation.
  • Black women are significantly underrepresented in clinical research.
  • Black women are often diagnosed at a more advanced stage and typically have more aggressive breast cancer.

 

This is why we have taken the #InclusionPledge along with several other advocates and businesses to ensure we do all we can to shine a light on these disparities other face and close the gap on the difference of treatment and care for our WOC community.

The Inclusion Pledge's purpose is to ensure representation for women of color across advocacy initiatives that impact their breast and overall health. We need action and we need it now. We remain committed to breaking through barriers where we can, and we know that breaking the breast cancer barrier is just one of many issues that need our attention. 

Together we can make change.

A person's life should not be determined by the color of their skin, literacy, financial barriers, access, social, systemic, and hereditary backgrounds should not be determinants of life and health equity. Particularly, as we face historical upheaval due to recent racial events, and as patients are impacted by COVID and post-COVID pandemic repercussions, this will cause a critical impact on health disparities for black women within the cancer research and cancer care ecosystem. In order to continue to accelerate impact as it relates to ending disparities for black women, the inclusion pledge is imperative.

Take the #InclusionPledge:

"WE PLEDGE TO ONLY PARTICIPATE IN INITIATIVES – ADVOCACY PANELS, ADVISORY BOARDS, PLANNING COMMITTEES, PROGRAMS, THAT INCLUDE THE EXPERIENCE OF AFRICAN AMERICAN WOMEN."

Will you join us in advocating for change by signing the Inclusion Pledge? Read more about the pledge at Tiger Lily Foundation.

Visit Sisters Network Inc. to read and understand more about these important challenges faced by black women. Sisters Network is committed to increasing local and national attention to the devastating impact that breast cancer has in the African American community. Their goal is to reduce the mortality rate of breast cancer among African American women by generating awareness, garnering attention, providing access to information and resources, and supporting research efforts in the ecosystem.

Dana Donofree
Dana Donofree

Founder and CEO of AnaOno. After a diagnosis of breast cancer in her late 20’s, Dana took her own lived experience and fashion design background and (re)designed intimates for those that have undergone breast surgery. Dana’s story has been published around the world in outlets like New York Times, BBC, Huffington Post, The Today Show, and more.