S7 Ep9: Understanding cancer in Black communities (Tamara)

In this episode of the Breast Cancer Now podcast, we speak to Tamara about her diagnosis of triple negative breast cancer, cancer in Black communities, and the impact of discovering she carries the BRCA2 gene mutation.Tamara opens up about the emotional weight of having to explain her cancer and her behaviour to the people around her. She also explores the stigma and mistrust that surrounds cancer in Black communities, and why culturally sensitive education is the key to improving outcomes.The conversation explores the feeling of dismissal Black women face in healthcare settings, and the incredible support Tamara experienced when she found Black Women Rising.Find support at Breast Cancer NowMore info about Younger Women Together coursesFind support at Black Women RisingFind support at UK Charity for Triple Negative Breast CancerFrom Me To You - Supporting Black Cancer Communities.You can also watch this episode on YouTube.Key Topics:2:50 Life before diagnosis5:36 Mara's breast cancer diagnosis11:08 Conversations about the BRCA gene mutation13:52 Understanding triple negative breast cancer20:37 Black women experiencing dismissal in healthcare22:48 What needs to be done to help improve healthcare for Black women?24:13 How Mara's diagnosis was received by her family and her community25:32 Mental health support at the point of cancer diagnosis28:58 Christian beliefs and breast cancer32:02 Difficulty talking with other people about your cancer diagnosis39:46 The power of the breast cancer community41:20 Body image after surgery for breast cancer44:01 Improving education in black Caribbean and black African communities51:18 Mara's work with Black Women Rising