According to the American Cancer Society, Black women are approximately 40% more likely to die from breast cancer than White women, despite having a lower incidence rate, and Sisters Network Inc. is working tirelessly to address this disparity by providing resources, support, and education to empower Black women in their fight against breast cancer. Founded by 4x breast cancer survivor Karen Eubanks Jackson, the organization aims to empower women of color with the resources, education, and support needed to combat this deadly disease.
Jackson was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 1993 while working as an entrepreneur in the beauty industry. She described how difficult it was to be diagnosed back then because of how taboo the subject was. She shared that Black women weren’t accepting the fact that they could get breast cancer because they would not talk about it. Information was not shared at that time. They thought it didn’t happen to them.
“While recovering, I learned a lot about what was happening in our community, locally and nationally. And I was very disappointed in what was happening to Black women in the community. We weren’t getting the services. Many things were said about us that weren’t true, that we didn’t go to the doctor, that we didn’t care about our health. I knew that to be untrue,” Jackson recounts. “So, when I was diagnosed, I felt as though I wanted to do more than survive. I wanted to help be a part of a community, of making change. That’s how it happened to me, so I knew it could happen to anyone.”
For the past thirty years, her organization, Sisters Network Inc., has offered various services for those battling breast cancer with affiliate chapters nationwide. In 2006, Sisters Network Inc. Breast Cancer Assistance Program (BCAP), a national financial assistance and mammogram program, was established. Financial aid is provided to any breast cancer survivor in active treatment. The organization also provides 3-D Mammogram support to uninsured women through its partnerships with leading mammography screening facilities.
The In the Company of My Sisters author recalls, “I wanted an organization like Sisters because I thought I could pick up the phone and call a network to answer my questions, take my hand, and walk me through the journey. But it didn’t exist. What was available was information, but not how to use it, not where to go, or how to say no to something you have researched that’s not good for you. And trust me, I saw things happening during my own personal journey that I wouldn’t dream of, because I was raised to think the white coat was there to save us at all costs. And I wish that’s true. But not everyone. So, if you’re fortunate, you find a hospital and doctor with your best interest at heart.” Should that not be the case, Jackson suggests that Black women find a new doctor and recommends always getting a second opinion.
This disease, which is claiming Black women’s lives at an alarming rate, demands our attention now more than ever.
Sisters Network Inc. Letter to Black Women
Recently, Jackson, who is affectionately called “The Breast Cancer Lady,” wrote a letter to Black women encouraging them to take charge of their health, prioritize early detection, and seek out the support they deserve to overcome the challenges of breast cancer. In the letter, Jackson states, “Early detection is not a slogan, it can save lives—your life. But you must start somewhere.”
It is a known fact that Black women are three times more likely to die of breast cancer than their White counterparts. When asked why she believes this disparity exists, the 30-year pioneer again references how breast cancer was not discussed publicly in the past. Under Sisters Network Inc., Jackson came up with a slogan, “Stop the silence.” “Because we’re silent in our community about breast cancer, but we’ve been able to conquer that. Breast cancer is not silent, as though it was years ago. But there are still people who don’t want to hear when you talk about it. Sisters Network Inc. tries to reach the ones who at least want to hear what they can do to survive breast cancer. Early detection is not a slogan,” Jackson says.
She goes on to explain that cancer is aggressive. Timing is everything, stressing that you cannot become stuck in the decision-making process but encouraging you also to make informed decisions. Sisters Network Inc. can assist with that, as many of its advisors are also breast cancer survivors with their own stories and experiences. They “are available to walk you through your journey.”
Letter to Sisters
Sisters Network Inc. Fighting Barriers for Black Women
Like most things in America, detection and treatment for breast cancer can be expensive, making cost one of the most significant financial barriers many women must overcome. Sisters Network is working to combat this with its BCAP program, which was mentioned earlier. The organization covers the cost of 3D mammograms and ultrasounds because it believes that easing this burden for sisters will motivate them to be conscious of their breast health, and these services are offered worldwide. Access to programs like this is essential as mammograms only give you an 85% result. “Who wants to go away with saying, “I’ve had my mammogram, it’s only 85%.” How about 100? That’s what we need, 100%. So you need both to ensure you’re good for that year,” says the CEO.
Sisters Network Inc.’s Message to Recently Diagnosed Black Women
The organization had a message for Black women who were recently diagnosed with breast cancer: “Believe that you can survive and then take action on how to survive. Know that people like Sisters Network want to help you do better, more than just survive, but thrive.”
How to Support Sisters Network Inc. & Looking Forward
Sisters Network Inc. Stop the Silence National African-American Walk will be hosted on Saturday, April 5, 2025, in Houston, Texas. This annual walk is the only one of its kind organized by a Black breast cancer organization, and this year marks its 15th.
While discussing upcoming events, the advocate shared the following introspection, “Things are harder instead of easier because I thought 30 years ago we’d have found a cure by now. So, I didn’t plan to do this for 30 years. Okay. But I’m proud to say we are still active, still growing.”
You can support Sisters Network Inc. by visiting their website, https://www.sistersnetworkinc.org/index.html, where they offer general and corporate match donation giving.
Connect with Jackson and Sisters Network Inc. on their website above or on Instagram at @sistersnetwork.
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