Hilariously, Witty campaign sheds light on the arduous experiences of Black women diagnosed with breast cancer


 Hilariously, Witty campaign sheds light on the arduous
experiences of Black women diagnosed with breast cancer

“YOU HAVE BREAST CANCER” are words
nobody wants to hear. But for women across the
globe forced to accept this harsh reality, what
happens following the diagnosis is what shapes
the burdensome journey.
     Sadly, the disparities in lack of access to care,
adequate resources and support between Black
and white women diagnosed with the disease are
mind blowing, which is why Carrie’s TOUCH is
helping drive the difficult conversation.
      Through a quick-witted, hilariously written
campaign video, Carrie’s TOUCH sheds light
on the seriousness of the arduous experiences
of Black women following their diagnoses with
breast cancer.
     The satirical video, ironically titled, “Breast
Cancer Be Like,” pushes forward a necessary
look at the gross inequalities in care, treatment
and support many Black women face. “It’s
time to shift the narrative and redefine what a
breast cancer survivor looks like,” said Carrie’s
     TOUCH founder, Rev. Tammie Denyse.
In the video, viewers first meet Amy, a woman
completely overwhelmed with support before
being told: “YOU HAVE BREAST CANCER.”
     After witnessing the outpouring of love, resources
and guidance Amy receives from a plethora of
medical professionals, viewers are quickly faced
with the actuality that Black women often don’t
receive the same level of engagement.
     The stories highlighted in #BreastCancerBe-
Like, which were written, produced and conceptualized
by Black women, are based on actual
events and incidents shared by Black survivors.
     “It would blow your mind to learn how many
Black women had similar experiences to the
woman in the video. I’m one of them. That’s MY
story,” Rev. Tammie added. “That’s why Carrie’s
TOUCH is unapologetic about sharing our
truths, it’s our season.”
     Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a global
effort to increase awareness about breast cancer,
but for Denyse, discussing disparities in different
communities around the world should be an
ongoing conversation. “Our research efforts are
first, about humanizing the Black woman,” Rev. Tammie explained. “Then, and only then are we
able to bring equity to her experience with breast
cancer. We are moving beyond discussions, we
are developing pathways that are culturally aware,
culturally competent and culturally sensitive.”
STATISTICS:
     Though Black women are diagnosed with
breast cancer at a slightly lower incidence rate
(3%) than white women, Black women are 42%
more likely to die of breast cancer than white
women. This is an astounding number and
indicative of a variety of factors, many reflecting
racial disparities.
     Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed
cancer among Black women and an
estimated 33,840 new cases are expected to be
diagnosed by the end of 2020. An estimated
6,540 deaths from breast cancer are expected to
occur among black women in 2020.
     Higher death rates among Black women
reflect the following:
         Historical tragedies such as The Tuskegee
Syphilis Study has traumatized the Black community
since 1932. Fear and trauma are major
factors causing lack of trust in the Black community
with medical professionals, even today.
     Lack of awareness, education, access,
resources and support are all factors in fully understanding
the importance of early detection.
     While 92% of black women agree breast health
is important, only 25% have recently discussed
breast health with their family, friends, or
colleagues. And, only 17% have taken steps to
understand their risk for breast cancer.
     Black Women are more often at an advanced
stage upon diagnosis.
     Black women may not have access to
sufficient health care or health insurance, and
may have lower frequency of longer intervals
between mammogram screenings.
     Because they may not have insurance,
Black women may not follow up on abnormal
mammogram results because they can’t afford
the diagnostic testing.
     Black women often do not receive the same
level of high quality treatment compared to
white women.
     Black women are two times more likely
to be diagnosed with Triple Negative Breast
Cancer, a type of breast cancer that often is
aggressive and has higher recurrence rates after
treatment. Triple Negative Breast Cancer has
the highest mortality rate and is the only breast
cancer subtype that does not have a targeted
therapy to prevent recurrence. Black women,
younger women and women diagnosed at later
stages are more likely to be diagnosed with
     Triple Negative Breast Cancer.
As a nonprofit, the sole focus of Carrie’s
     TOUCH is to save more lives of Black women
diagnosed with breast cancer and to ensure that
they have an equal opportunity to live well after
diagnosis. For more information, visit http://
www.carriestouch.org.

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