Word In Black has launched an Insights and Research Division to center the lived experiences of Black Americans and use community-driven data to reshape narratives about persistent health disparities. Its first study on organ donation reveals strong theoretical support but deep mistrust of the healthcare system, and the team is now turning to breast cancer to examine how bias, access and culture affect Black women’s outcomes.
Tag: Breast cancer
Posted inHealth
Faith Over Fear: Two powerful journeys through breast cancer
By Chianti MarksAFRO Intern At the age of 30, Akosua “Sua” Bamfo found a small lump in her breast. It was October 2022. She immediately scheduled an appointment with her OB-GYN. After undergoing an MRI and ultrasound, she was told her breasts were too dense for clear imaging and that they would follow up in […]
Posted inHealth
Fighting back: How three women beat breast cancer– more than once
Three women share their powerful stories of surviving multiple fights against breast cancer. Through faith, family and determination, Tirra Pack, Marcia Victor and Linda Hamilton have turned pain into purpose, proving that survival is more than a medical — it’s spiritual, emotional and deeply human.
Posted in!Front Page Women's Health
Hope, healing and the will to live: Breast cancer survivors tell their stories
By Brandon Henry AFRO Intern For Lisa Johnson, Valerie Fraling and Tiffany Ann Wingate, breast cancer awareness isn’t just a phrase made up of buzzwords– it’s a reminder of their battles with breast cancer. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that “Black people have a lower overall 5-year cancer survival rate than […]
Posted inHealth
Healing after mastectomy: Two survivors speak on faith, struggle and strength
Two breast cancer survivors share their deeply personal journeys through mastectomy, loss and healing. Clorie Tildon, a woman of steadfast faith, and Millena Smith, who overcame addiction and homelessness, reveal how faith, support and self-acceptance shaped their recovery. Their stories offer raw insight and powerful advice for women facing the emotional and physical challenges of breast cancer
Posted inHealth
Facing the odds: Women share their journeys with triple-negative, triple-positive breast cancers
Triple-negative and triple-positive breast cancers present unique challenges, with treatment often taking a physical and emotional toll. Women like Tara Doaty, Giovanna Hughes, Marcia Ferrell and Deriece Harrington share their journeys, highlighting the importance of early detection, resilience and support.
Posted inHealth
A journey through faith, strength and breast cancer survival
Lisa Settles, the only Black female partner at a regional law firm, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2012 and used her faith and community to cope with the treatment, keeping a photojournal of her journey and prioritizing her routine.
Posted inHealth
Postscript for Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Just keep that mammogram appointment
After skipping mammograms for four years, healthcare professional Laurene Scott finally got screened—just as her cousin was diagnosed with breast cancer. Doctors say anxiety, busy lives, and fear often delay screenings, especially among Black women, who remain 38 percent more likely to die from the disease.
Posted inBaltimore News
Navigating breast cancer: A mother and daughter’s journey of strength
Dr. Michelle Taylor and her mother, Rita Works, shared their breast cancer journeys, emphasizing early detection, family medical history and the power of support. They hope to inspire vigilance and informed care.
Posted inHealth
Black male breast cancer: Rare, but real
By Victoria MejicanosAFRO Staff Writervmejicanos@afro.com Although rare, men are fighters and survivors of breast cancer—especially men of color—who often face less awareness, and worse outcomes. A recent study done by the American Cancer Society found that “breast cancer incidence rates were 52 percent higher in Black men than White men.” Another study demonstrated that even […]
Posted inHealth
Too young for breast cancer? These stories prove otherwise
Constance “Connie” Chavis was just 36 when she learned she had stage 3 breast cancer, and Brianna Osofisan was only 21 when diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer. Their journeys reveal the challenges, resilience and hope of young adults facing a disease often thought to strike later in life.
Posted inHealth
Links, Incorporated presents free Black Family Wellness Expo in Silver Spring
The Silver Spring Chapter of The Links, Incorporated is hosting a FREE Black Family Wellness Expo on March 21, 2025, aimed at reducing health and economic disparities in the Black community.