GREENSBORO, N.C. — Every October there's an important focus on breast cancer awareness. A Greensboro group of survivors is putting an extra lens on a particular group of women who have the highest breast cancer mortality rate in the United States.
The Sisters Network is a national organization bringing attention to the devastating impact of breast cancer on African American women. The Greensboro chapter joined WFMY News 2 live in the studio to discuss its annual breast cancer screening event.
Brenda Ray is the current president of The Sisters Network Greensboro and Nora Jones is the former president. Both are breast cancer survivors.
All races and ethnicities are affected by breast cancer, but reports show Black women have a 40-percent higher breast cancer death rate compared to White women. Jones said there are many driving forces behind the disparity.
“Studies have shown women of color often delay treatment and present at later stages,” Jones said. “A lot of us are not getting our mammograms in a timely way, leading to later diagnosis. There is also the issue of finances, being underinsured or uninsured.”
On Saturday, October 26, Sisters Network Greensboro is holding its Annual Mobile Screening Mammograms and Hope and Healing Walk. The Mobile Screening Mammograms will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Hayes Taylor Memorial YMCA in Greensboro. The Hope and Healing Breast Cancer Walk will happen from 8:30 to 10 a.m. at Barber Park in Greensboro.
“It’s not just the mobile mammography, but a health fair,” Ray said. “We have many different vendors that will be there. Groups from North Carolina A&T, other groups in the city, and the Red Cross.”
The Sisters Network Greensboro said the screening for uninsured women will be covered if they have already registered. The group is partnering with Cone Health for the annual event.
“This is an opportunity to not have to go into a building, but to be out with people who are supportive of them because we have cheerleaders to cheer them on,” Jones said. “There will be gift bags once they finish their mammograms. We’re looking for a great turnout.”
Ray is a 10-year breast cancer survivor, while Jones is a 17-year breast cancer survivor. Both ladies said they hope their stories will encourage others to get screened.
“The most important thing is to get checked and know your body,” Ray said. “If you feel anything is off, you need to talk to the doctor and then once you find out if you get a diagnosis talk to your family. Just really push and be your advocate for help because that’s what’s most important.”