MY LIFE Matters - Health Literacy - 11

BEATING THE ODDS Powerful Patient Stories
TNBC is one of the most aggressive forms of breast cancer,
and yet there are not enough new treatment plans. Black
women are disproportionately affected by TNBC. Black women
are more than twice as likely as White women to receive
a diagnosis of TNBC and have higher mortality rates. Early
screening for Black women should be mandated. In my perfect
world, Black women would receive mammograms early and
be treated as high risk. Being diagnosed twice shows just how
aggressive TNBC is. My second diagnosis was found early and
found by me. Even after a bilateral mastectomy, I continued to
do self-exams. My life moving forward will be one well lived.
I have been a Lead ANGEL Advocate for a year, leading
am in control. This time I have health literacy and am empowered!
This time I have a voice and I know that my voice counts.
Now, as I am going through the motions the second time,
I feel I can process and manage the title wave of information
that is being presented to me. I have
adapted and now have a strategy to organize
my medical information in a way
where I can look back and continue to
research and explore treatment options
or upcoming clinical trials.
Last year, I attended the San Antonio
Breast Cancer Symposium (SABCS). I
was recovering from treatments and
surgery, but this did not stop me from
having the opportunity to learn and
increase my health literacy. It also
provided me with the opportunity to
be with other Survivors and Thrivers
and to hear from leading medical experts
for the first time since my diagnosis
and COVID-19. Health literacy
and representation are important,
and Tigerlily has built an advocacy
community of Women of Color and
allies-breaking down barriers and
improving health outcomes is always
on our agenda. I was one of the several
Tigerlily Lead ANGEL Advocates who
attended SABCS panel sessions and
even wrote blogs based on my experience
and feedback.
This year I participated in the TNBC
patient feedback survey where I provided
feedback on my experience as a Black
woman navigating a TNBC diagnosis.
Getting involved has increased my
health literacy. We are working to improve
health outcomes, end disparities
of age, stage, and color, and improve
health literacy. All patients should
receive support, resources, and tools
so they can achieve their best health
outcome.
MY LIFE MATTERS
HEALTH LITERACY ISSUE | SUMMER 2023
11
change and helping others. Building community is not easy,
but it is the most fulfilling thing I have done in my life. I can
empower my community, family, and friends to be the author
of their own health. Leaving my mark on each of them for
generations to come. l
NAVIGATING EMOTIONAL ASPECTS OF TNBC
BLOG: LIVING WITH MBC: EARLY PALLIATIVE CARE
https://www.tigerlilyfoundation.org/living-with-mbc-early-palliative-care-sabcs-yahira-torres-keisha-stephney/
MY LIFE Matters - Health Literacy

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of MY LIFE Matters - Health Literacy
