The social injustice that continues to unfold in our country and the surging Covid pandemic that disproportionally affects people of color has made one thing clear: You are either part of the problem or part of the solution.
As a multicultural breast cancer surgeon and a breast cancer survivor, my resolve to become part of the solution brought me to the Dr. Susan Love Foundation for Breast Cancer Research. I am here because one of our goals is to decrease health disparities in breast cancer care. Currently, Black women in the U.S. are 40% more likely to die from breast cancer than white women. There are systemic, environmental, and biological factors that contribute to this disparity. These include Black women being more likely to have triple-negative breast tumors, to be diagnosed at a later stage, and to have to wait longer to start treatment.
The Foundation strives to narrow this gap in breast cancer mortality rates by promoting inclusivity and diversity in research. We are also committed to finding systematic ways to eliminate the barriers that prevent diverse participation in research and to create culturally specific, high-quality breast cancer research opportunities for all Americans.
At the Foundation, I will be collaborating with public health officials and health care providers to challenge the status quo and advance health equity for Black women.
Black breasts matter.
Help us diversify our Love Research Army by taking action and join now! All women and men can take part – whether or not you’ve had breast cancer. Let us show #BlackBreastsMatter.
