October 1 marks the start of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, highlighting education, research, and supporting resources related to an illness that affects millions every year. The American Cancer Society (ACS) reports that this year, there have been more than 310,720 new cases of invasive breast cancer, and according to Susan G. Komen, one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime.
While there has been a 42% decline in breast cancer deaths over the past 30 years, the Breast Cancer Research Foundation has found that there is still a “mortality gap” between Black women and white women. And even though Black women are less likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer than white women, they are about 41% more likely to die from the disease, research shows.
This is why early detection is important, and more information about breast cancer awareness is key for Black women. There are still systemic and socioeconomic barriers related to breast cancer screenings, healthcare access, and preventative care, but several Black women celebrities and leaders have lent their voices, influence, and fame to advocate for more investment, awareness, and resources in the fight against breast cancer.
Tina Knowles
Tina Knowles
Photo by Bruce Glikas/Getty Images
When ex-husband Mathew Knowles revealed his battle with breast cancer, Tina Knowles spoke out, telling ET, “Thank God he [discovered] it very early on, and he is going to be fine. I’m [calling] it." She also serves on the board of the BeyGOOD Foundation, which has also launched breast cancer awareness initiatives and advocacy efforts.
Sara Sidner
CNN anchor Sara Sidner revealed her cancer diagnosis in January, adding that she’d gone through chemotherapy and would have a double mastectomy.
“Just take a second to recall the names of eight women who you love and know in your life. Just eight. Count them on your fingers. Statistically, one of them will get or have breast cancer. I am that 1 in 8 in my friend group,” Sidner said live on the air.
Desiree Rogers
Desirée Rogers, CEO of Black Opal, has served on the board of the American Cancer Society and has spoken widely about the importance of breast cancer awareness. She is a survivor and has shared her own story of finding out, advocating for herself, and continuing to pursue her highest career goals in the process.
"I learned I am strong. I am actually a warrior, and I will do what it takes to live," Rogers told an ABC 7 Chicago reporter in 2021.
Mary J. Blige
Mary J Blige
Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images
In 2022, Mary J. Blige joined Jill Biden and the American Cancer Society to encourage advocacy through the launch of national meetings on breast and cervical cancer. President Joe Biden and the first lady had relaunched the “cancer moonshot” initiative that year, allotting more funds for cancer research.
Blige shared that she lost aunts and other family members to breast, cervical, and lung cancer, and she has been a public proponent of early detection via cancer screenings, working with the Black Women’s Health Imperative in 2021.
Wanda Sykes
In 2011, comedian and actress Wanda Sykes admitted for the first time on The Ellen DeGeneres Show that she was diagnosed. “I had breast cancer,” she shared. “Yeah, I know it’s scary.” She found out after getting a breast reduction. “I had real big boobs, and I just got tired of knocking over stuff.”
“It wasn’t until after the reduction that in the lab work, the pathology, that they found that I had DCIS [ductal carcinoma in situ] in my left breast. I was very, very lucky because DCIS is basically stage-zero cancer.” She had a double mastectomy, she added.
In the years following, she has since used her platform to raise funds and awareness for research, early detection, and support.
Patti LaBelle
This powerhouse singer, actress, and lifestyle brand mogul has had personal experience with cancer, losing three sisters to the illness. She has used her talent and multiple platforms to raise awareness of various cancers, including breast cancer, featured in the 2022 PSA campaign "Stop Breast Cancer For Life."
Ericka Hart
Ericka HartPhoto by Rob Kim/Getty Images for Tribeca Festival
A social justice advocate and sexuality educator, Ericka Hart's empowering platform intersects race, gender, disability, LGBTQ+ rights, and sex positivity. She’s a breast cancer survivor and has boldly walked runways showing her double-mastectomy scars, and she has been featured in empowerment and education campaigns. She works as a speaker, activist, and college educator.
Bershan Shaw
Entrepreneur, speaker, and reality TV co-star Bershan Shaw received a stage 4 breast cancer diagnosis in her 30s and has shared her story of resilience, healing, and life transitions throughout that period of her life. She is the founder of URA Warrior, a mental health and wellness support community with a recently launched app.
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Featured image by Lionel Hahn / Contributor
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