The Fight for My Life

The Dismissive Silence

My symptoms began in 2020, when I was just 30 years old. I was 33 when I was finally diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer.

Early Symptoms

My symptoms started subtly, but became increasingly concerning over time.

Medical Neglect

Despite my persistent complaints, doctors dismissed my concerns and failed to investigate further.

Delayed Diagnosis

The delay in diagnosis had devastating consequences, hindering effective treatment.

The Racial Bias

I'm a Black Puerto Rican woman from an urban area. The prejudice I faced felt as if my body wasn't my own for 30 years.

Lack of Trust

Many Black and Hispanic women feel distrust in the medical system due to a history of mistreatment.

Misinformation

Harmful stereotypes perpetuate the idea that Black and Hispanic women don't prioritize their health.

Institutional Bias

Systemic biases in healthcare lead to disparities in diagnosis and treatment.

Lack of Access

Limited access to quality healthcare, especially in underserved communities, exacerbates the problem.

The Ignored Truth

The narrative that Black and Hispanic women don't seek medical care is an insult. It's a blatant disregard for our experiences.

Personal Experiences

I've always been proactive with my health, but my pleas were ignored.

Systemic Issues

The healthcare system has failed to address the systemic barriers that prevent access to care.

Cultural Factors

Cultural and societal biases contribute to the dismissal of concerns from Black and Hispanic women.

The Unheard Voice

No one listened. No one wanted to give me a mammogram. I was a 35-year-old woman with no breasts, yet my concerns were ignored.

Age	Symptoms	Diagnosis
30	Early symptoms began	None
31	Symptoms worsened	None
32	Urgent medical attention sought	None
33	Diagnosis: Triple-negative breast cancer	Delayed, potentially impacting treatment outcomes

The Fight for Justice

I'm on the survivor side, but the anger remains. This is the narrative that needs to change. We deserve to be heard.

Advocate for Change

Speak up, share your stories, and demand accountability from healthcare institutions.

Break Down Barriers

Work towards dismantling systemic racism and bias in the healthcare system.

Empower Your Community

Educate and empower your community about health disparities and advocate for equitable care.

The Power of Our Voices

We have the power to change the narrative. We are not invisible. We are strong, resilient, and deserve to be treated with dignity.

Awareness

Spread awareness about the disparities faced by Black and Hispanic women in healthcare.

Advocacy

Advocate for policies and initiatives that promote health equity.

Action

Take action to ensure that every woman has access to quality, culturally competent care.