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Touch, the Black Breast Cancer Alliance, in partnership with the Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation, the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), and Nueva Vida, has received a grant from Gilead Sciences. The grant is for the project Black TNBC Matters and aims to create the first online platform of Black CMTN (triple-negative breast cancer) resources for the community, by the community. The goal is to address the significant disparities in the diagnosis and treatment of triple-negative breast cancer among Black individuals.
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a particularly aggressive and difficult-to-treat form of breast cancer. It is characterized by the absence of estrogen receptors, progesterone receptors, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) protein. This type of breast cancer is more common in Black individuals, who are diagnosed nearly three times more often than white individuals.
The Black TNBC Matters project aims to provide a comprehensive resource hub specifically designed for Black individuals affected by TNBC. The online platform will be bilingual, culturally agile, scientifically proven, and SEO-optimized to ensure maximum accessibility and reach. The resources will be developed in collaboration with leading Black and Latino advocacy groups and clinicians experienced in TNBC in the Black population.
According to the Black TNBC Matters team, Black breast cancer patients have a 41% higher mortality rate compared to white patients. Additionally, the five-year survival rate for Black patients is the lowest among all races and ethnicities. The relative risk of recurrence in Black patients is also alarmingly higher than in white patients. These statistics highlight the urgent need for targeted support and resources for Black individuals affected by TNBC.
Ricki Fairley, CEO of TOUCH, The Black Breast Cancer Alliance, emphasized the importance of creating a resource hub that provides community and hope for Black individuals impacted by TNBC. When newly diagnosed, patients often turn to the internet for information, and the results can be scary and confusing. The Black TNBC Matters resource hub aims to be a beacon of light in the darkness, ensuring that all Black individuals affected by TNBC can find the support and information they need from the very first search.
The initiative is made possible by the generous support of Gilead Sciences, a company that has consistently demonstrated its commitment to the Black community affected by breast cancer. Deborah H. Telman, Gilead’s executive vice president of Corporate Affairs and General Counsel, acknowledged the challenges faced by patients and communities in accessing the best possible care. Gilead believes that the Black TNBC Matters resource hub will contribute to achieving health equity for Black women impacted by TNBC.
Hayley Dinerman, executive director of the Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation, highlighted the importance of the resource hub as a tool for ongoing support throughout the TNBC journey. The goal is for Black TNBC patients and their loved ones to keep the resource hub open on their computers and regularly access it for the information and support they need at any given point during their TNBC experience.
While advancements have been made in combating triple-negative breast cancer, the need for a comprehensive, culturally-responsive platform like the Black TNBC Matters resource hub remains. The initiative recognizes the urgency of providing the Black breast cancer community with the best tools to educate and advocate for themselves and each other.
In conclusion, the collaboration between TOUCH, the Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation, the AACR, and Nueva Vida, supported by Gilead Sciences, aims to address the disparities in the diagnosis and treatment of TNBC among Black individuals. The Black TNBC Matters resource hub will provide a much-needed platform for Black individuals affected by TNBC to access information, support, and community. With a focus on cultural responsiveness and scientific accuracy, the resource hub aims to empower Black individuals to advocate for their own health and well-being. Through this initiative, the partners involved aspire to achieve health equity for Black women impacted by TNBC and ultimately improve outcomes for this disproportionately affected population.
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