Breast Cancer

This article outlines the risk factors and unique characteristics of triple-negative breast cancer, or TNBC, which affects between 10% and 20% of all patients with breast cancer.

After a 20-year career as a biomedical breast cancer researcher, Dr. Dana Brantley-Sieders was diagnosed with breast cancer and discovered that her scientific expertise didn’t prepare her for the challenges she faced as a patient.

Sara Gilles, an athlete and physical therapist who completed several Ironman triathlons, was shocked by her breast cancer diagnosis in her early 50s. Her husband had to tell others about her diagnosis, because she was too traumatized to say “I have breast cancer.”

Ngozi Ejedimu was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 39, after having a benign lump removed at age 19, and after experiencing firsthand the uninformed Nigerian breast cancer culture, she became an advocate for health literacy for Nigerian women.

Ann Glover found a lump on her chest in 2020, and learned the negative emotional impact a doctor can have on a patient by delivering news in an uncaring manner.

Triple-negative breast cancer is an aggressive cancer that is often diagnosed at later stages. Dr. Gary discusses the many alarming gaps in the quality of care for Black and Hispanic women.

Darlene Edwards, RN, MS, explains the importance of effective communication between patients, their care team, and family members to achieve the best quality of care.

At first, Maureen Dever-Bumba, a triple-negative breast cancer survivor, was wary of having her port removed, in case she would need it again. After its removal, Maureen wrote this poem honoring her emotions of saying goodbye to her trusted, lifesaving port.