Every October the nation’s attention turns toward breast cancer awareness. A lot of messaging during this month of awareness seems to focus on a push for a cure not necessarily the push for survival. The ask for donations increases and a heightened visibility around breast cancer can be seen via social media. People adorn their attire with pink accouterments, and many survivors are given a platform to tell their stories.
Sharing resources is another level of breast cancer awareness to consider for those at risk for the disease and those coping post-diagnosis. BLACK ENTERPRISE has sourced a number of organizations that are helpful and committed to tackling the challenges Black women face when dealing with the disease.
Before Diagnosis
The hope is that you and your loved ones never have to battle with breast cancer. For many that will be the case. Before we know whether or not we need to pick up our spiritual and mental armor we need to know our diagnosis. That’s where pre-screening measures like self-exams and mammograms come into play.
Breastcancer.org cites the average cost for services surrounding prescreening is “$1,186.02 for deductible plans.” With inflation kicking Black Americans in the wallet these costs are far from pocket change.
To help with the exorbitant costs Many states have tools, like this one by the Georgia Department Of Health, in place to help with early breast cancer screening and mammograms.
Donate to support free resources and programming for people affected by breast cancer., prescreening is vital.
Diagnosed While Expecting
If you are an expectant parent and receive a breast cancer diagnosis your concern doubles. Not only do you need to consider your health, but you must also consider the health of your unborn child. Navigating the complexities of pregnancy and treatment can be daunting. National Cancer Institute says, “Breast cancer is the most common cancer in pregnant and postpartum women and occurs in about 1 in 3,000 pregnant women.” Their website offers a guide to give pregnant women an idea of what to expect when expecting in conjunction with a breast cancer diagnosis.
Funding After Diagnosis
Once diagnosed the need to strategize, research and act takes precedence. Trips to the doctor will become the norm. The choice to prioritize your bills as opposed to your health can be tempting. Organizations like The Keep A Breast Foundation recognize the financial struggle that can arise as a result of a breast cancer diagnosis. The Keep A Breast Foundation not only raises funds for research
, it also helps support Black women living with breast cancer.Limited Treatment Options
Sometimes chemotherapy, mastectomies, and radiation are not viable treatments for breast cancer. According to Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News, 15% of all breast cancers diagnosed are (TNBC) Triple Negative Breast Cancer. TNBC is resistant to conventional chemotherapy and is closely associated with relapse progression to stage 4. When the standard treatments for breast cancer are not viable, clinical trials offer hope. Organizations like When We Trial offer education surrounding clinical trials. They also help connect Black women with organizations conducting clinical trials and testimonies from survivors.
Living Beyond Diagnosis
Surviving breast cancer does not mean that the journey is over. Dealing with the toll of such a physically taxing disease can be daunting. Survivors still endure regular check-ups, residual pain, neuropathy, post-op care, and a host of other things in the name of survival. Finding a community can be a way to help fill information gaps and engage with a community that understands the cost of survival. Living Beyond Breast Cancer is an organization dedicated to creating a community for those who are blessed and sometimes burdened with survival.
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