The survival rates for Black women with breast cancer are problematic.
We talked with one survivor about what needs to change in the system.
And so,Touch, The Black Breast Cancer Alliancewas born.
To my doctor, as a young Black woman, I didnt look like the typical breast cancer patient.
This is important because Black women make upless than 3 percentof clinical trial participants.
Another way Touch is moving the needle for Black women with breast cancer is through facilitating conversations.
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At the womens oncology center, Im usually the only Black woman therelet alone a young Black woman.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
Well+Good: Tell me about your experience being diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer.
What was that like?
My doctor found a lump and then I was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer.
The doctor only had two patients with TNBC and they both died within nine months.
I had to take matters into my own hands.
So I researched triple-negative breast cancer and found the TNBC Foundation.
So, I did more chemo and I didnt die!
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I know that I am a miracle.
Its Amazing How Its All Connected.
RF:What needs to change is themortality rate.
We are not being treated well and that is why I created Touch.
I wasnt going to take no for an answerI wasnt going to take death for an answer.
Were not getting the care we deserve.
I wasnt going to take no for an answerI wasnt going to take death for an answer.
W+G: What inspired you to create Touch?
and, Why do Black women get TNBC breast cancer attwo times the rate?
We deserve more and our disease is different.
W+G: What progress have you seen and what more needs to be done?
In fact, we are currently working on a clinical trial with one of them.
I want to move the needle on the percentage of participation in clinical trials.
I want more legislation to mandate participationlike, Guess what pharma?
Your drug cannot be approved unless it was tested on Black bodies.
Give me a trial just for Black women.
I wont rest until we get those drugs and better science.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has to mandate it and pharma needs to do the work.
W+G: What is your advice to Black women who have recently been diagnosed?
RF:Get the best care you could.
If you have a doubt that your doctor is not doing the right thing, get another doctor.
And call me, we can help you!
verify your doctors are on top of the best drugs.
Dont be afraid to stand up for yourself.
Take someone with you to your appointments because youre not going to hear everything you should probably hear.
W+G: What is your message for women everywhere?
RF:Know your body, stand in front of the mirror.
Know your Herstory, and talk to both sides of your familymom and dad.
We dont talk about health until something happens to someone in the family.
Move your body and take care of yourself.
Clickhere to read more.
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