Shakell James
Staff Writer
Jackson State University presented the “Real Stories of Breast Cancer Prevention and Survivorship” webinar on Feb 21. This webinar told the experiences of breast cancer survivors, self-advocacy, and crucial information from specialists.
The speakers for this event included: Sherry Hughes and Jasmine Miller-Kleinhenz, Ph.D. Hughes is Director of Strategic Community Engagement, Spokesperson for Cincinnati Cancer Advisors, and Breast cancer survivor.
Miller-Kleinhenz, the Assistant Professor for the University of Mississippi Medical Center, began the event with a PowerPoint, highlighting the statistics of breast cancer, but specifically black women with breast cancer.
As stated in the presentation, 1 in 8 women in the U.S. will develop invasive breast cancer during her lifetime. With that being said, there are certain risk factors such as getting older, genetic mutations, having dense breasts, family history of breast cancer, and previous radiation treatment.
Nationally, black women are 40 percent more likely to die of breast cancer compared to white women. The level of survival is scarce within the African-American community.
Miller-Kleinhenz was ultimately inspired to study statistics because of her grandmother’s cancer.
“I’ve made it my life’s work to make a contribution towards trying to understand breast cancer and eliminate some of the disparities that exist today,” said Miller-Kleinhenz.
Hughes emphasized the importance of self-advocacy and health disparities, as her mother’s cancer made a huge impact on her cancer journey.
“My mother had a lump on her breast and complained about it for months. She was sent home and was told it was likely a cyst. The cancer had already metastasized a year later. My mom’s cancer is emotional because she’s a huge part of why I’m advocating for women right now,” said Hughes.
Hughes began researching new technologies for treatment, as well as building a relationship with her OB-GYN.
Towards the end of the webinar, advice was given on ways to support loved ones with breast cancer and general information for female college students not familiar with the topic.
Tips like attending appointments with that person, making sure that your loved one understands the treatment and circumstances, supporting their decisions throughout their journey, and looking into organizations for additional support were emphasized to go a long way for close ones dealing with the illness.
Organizations like the American Cancer Society show interest in the joining of black female voices. The “Voices of Black Women” is a study revolving around the concern of black women’s experiences, leading to the development of plans and updated information.
On their website, voices.cancer.org, enrollment for the study will open in the states of Mississippi, Louisiana, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Texas, Virginia, Washington, D.C, and more.
Hughes shares a motivational statement to those that are interested in this specific kind of research.
“You students are valued and so important because you’re our future. You are the ones that are going to look for more break-throughs. You are the ones that are going to help people survive even more. You’re the ones leading us into the next century. I think we can all do it by having these conversations together,” said Hughes.
I am so happy that this happened for the young women at JSU. I am a survivor and an alum. I had so much support and a good medical team, and I think that made a difference in my recovery. Looking out for future generations is essential, learning about self-care and listening to your body is crucial.