Groups and organizations that focus solely on the needs and concerns of African American breast cancer survivors are few and far between, making it all the more critical for survivors to find spaces where they feel welcome, respected and supported. As October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, The OBSERVER has created a brief list of local and online resources.
Carrie’s TOUCH
Founded in Sacramento, Carrie’s TOUCH is a national nonprofit dedicated to humanizing Black women’s breast cancer experiences. For nearly 20 years, it has been a leading organization supporting Black women and men thriving beyond breast cancer. The organization provides vital resources for mental and financial health to survivors and their families. Their “No Longer Silent” podcast shares patient stories and advocates for healthcare policy reform, equitable access, and addressing systemic racism in the American healthcare system. Carrie’s TOUCH also offers a groundbreaking app, designed by and for Black women, connecting them to support groups, financial aid, oncologists of color, low-cost therapy, and affirmations.
Tit Check
As its website says, this is not your mother’s breast exam. Tit Check encourages breast self-awareness, so that individuals recognize “what’s normal,” or not, for them. Its website also offers tips for a successful doctor-patient interaction, information for breastfeeding women and is inclusive to the LBGTQ community and what they should know about breast health.
?: titcheck.org
The African American Breast Cancer Alliance
The African American Breast Cancer Alliance (AABCA), is based in Minneapolis, MN, but has an online network that survivors can join. Because of the high mortality rates of Black women dying from breast cancer, AABCA seeks to provide education, a forum to discuss barriers, concerns, early detection, lack of information, myths, patient navigation, resources, increasing survivorship, and treatments related to breast cancer and its impact. Highlights include a virtual Sisters and Misters In Survival support group for women and men diagnosed with breast cancer and an annual Sistas Rock retreat.
?: https://aabcainc.org/
Touch
Touch, The Black Breast Cancer Alliance, is a Maryland-based organization that brings together survivors, advocates, and healthcare professionals to advance research and eliminate Black breast cancer. They provide online resources such as blogs, a monthly support group for survivors and thrivers, a podcast called “The Doctor Is In,” and “Pink Table Talk,” a series of candid discussions focused on Black breast health to educate, empower, and encourage young Black women to take action.
Love of My Gurls
Based in Annapolis, MD, Love of My Girls focuses on young women and why Black breast health is important. Black women under 35 get breast cancer at 2x the rate of white women and die from breast cancer at three times the rate. Black women under 30 die from breast cancer at four times the rate of white women. The organization offers informational downloads, virtual talks and a “Gurl Boss Worksheet” that encourages women to advocate for their own breast health.
The Young Survivor Coalition
Young adults can and do get breast cancer. The New York-based Young Survivor Coalition (YBC) provides education and materials about breast cancer and shares inspirational survivor stories. There are also resources for caregivers, also known as co-survivors. Online support includes virtual hangouts, private Facebook groups and the opportunity to connect with other young adults affected by breast cancer through a one-on-one peer matchmaking program. Sacramento is listed on its local Face2Face Network that allows for in-person interaction.
Editor’s Note: If you know of any additional support groups or outreach efforts that welcome Black breast cancer survivors that you’d like to see included, email genoa.barrow@sacobserver.com.