Triumphant Black Women: Surviving Breast Cancer Spotlight.
To commemorate Breast Cancer Awareness Month, let’s celebrate the resilience of four remarkable Black women who triumphed over breast cancer.
In the month of October, we observe Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a moment to pay tribute to those who’ve battled this illness and applaud the fortitude and endurance of survivors.
As the pink ribbon stands as a symbol of hope and solidarity, it also brings attention to the stark disparities that impact Black women as they confront breast cancer.
Robin Roberts
In 2007, “Good Morning America” host Robin Roberts disclosed her breast cancer diagnosis, having found a lump during a self-examination. She chose to be candid about her journey, allowing viewers to witness her shaving her head and sharing the challenges and triumphs of her experiences with chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery.
“I experienced a moment where I couldn’t believe I was facing this. Why was it happening to me?” she recounted to NPR. “But my mother, in her gentle and comforting way, told me, ‘Honey, everybody’s got something.’ Those words really resonated with me.”
Wanda Skyes
Actress and comedian Wanda Sykes received her breast cancer diagnosis during her breast reduction surgery. Despite receiving negative results from both her pre-surgery mammogram and biopsy, Sykes discovered she had a noninvasive type of breast cancer called ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). She ultimately opted for a double mastectomy to eliminate any potential for cancer progression or recurrence. Although the surgery affected her self-image, she eventually came to accept and embrace her altered appearance.
My scars? I hardly notice them. I feel complete, genuinely,” Sykes shared with People magazine. “Because each day, I can affirm, “Because every day, I get to say, ‘There’s no cancer.’ I’m healthy, and that’s beautiful.”
Vanessa Bell Calloway
Actress Vanessa Bell Calloway received a stage 0 breast cancer diagnosis, specifically DCIS, when she was 52 years old. Following her lumpectomy to remove the affected breast tissue, a mastectomy, and breast reconstruction, Calloway reflects that her survival from breast cancer has profoundly transformed her life.
“I didn’t want to miss life. I decided cancer was not going to ruin me […] Anytime you go through anything so emotional, you learn a lot. I’m very grateful and blessed,” she wrote in a personal essay published by Ebony. “I forget I even had cancer sometimes because I’m so entrenched in the goodness of life. It’s a gift.’
Calypso Rose
Trinidadian artist Calypso Rose, renowned as the Calypso queen, triumphed over breast cancer in 1996. Now, at the age of 83, she continues to defy both musical and medical odds. Following her victorious battle against breast cancer, Rose underwent heart surgery and conquered stomach cancer. In 2019, she achieved a historic milestone by becoming the oldest artist to perform at the Coachella festival at the age of 78.
“That’s how I know the good Lord still wants me here,” Rose told Billboard, “because I have a job to do: bring joy, peace and harmony to my fans and to the world.”
