Breast Cancer Awareness: Why Screening Matters for All of Us

At Byrd Barr Place, we talk a lot about taking care of our neighbors and our community. That includes taking care of our health; even when it means having conversations that feel heavy. Breast cancer is one of those topics.

A lot of people think breast cancer only happens to women, but that’s not true. It doesn’t care about gender, age, or background. Anyone can be affected. That’s why it’s so important to get checked and to encourage our loved ones to do the same.

This issue is personal for me.

One of my favorite local pastors often shares her story with the community. She talks about what it was like to face breast cancer head-on, and how faith and resilience carried her through. Every time she shares, she reminds us that you can walk through the valley and still come out on the other side; whole, grateful, and determined.

And earlier this year, a close friend of mine was diagnosed with a recurrence. She thought that chapter of her life was closed, but breast cancer had other plans. Treatment meant putting parts of her life on pause, reshaping expectations, and navigating the physical and emotional toll that comes with a second battle. I’ve watched her walk-through setbacks with incredible grace and courage, and now she is in recovery; learning to lean into her “new normal” and holding onto hope for what comes next.

But I also think of those we’ve lost. Some people I loved didn’t make it. Some faced barriers to care that cost them precious time. As a Black woman, that reality hits me hard—because the numbers show that women who look like me are more likely to die from breast cancer, even when we’re diagnosed at the same rate as others.

The truth is that the inequities are real:

• Too many women of color are diagnosed later, when the cancer is more advanced and harder to treat. That’s not because we don’t care about our health, it’s because screenings are often less accessible in our neighborhoods.

• Even after diagnosis, studies show Black women are less likely to receive timely follow-up appointments, advanced imaging, or the latest treatment options. Insurance status, income, and even implicit bias in the healthcare system all play a role.

• Transportation, childcare, and work schedules can make it harder for people in lower-income households to keep up with the demanding schedule of treatments like chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery.

• And fear shaped by generations of unequal treatment in medicine can make us hesitant to step into clinics that don’t feel welcoming or culturally responsive.

This is why I can’t separate breast cancer from justice. When Black women are 40% more likely to die from breast cancer than white women, it’s not just a health issue it’s a matter of equity and survival.

Here are some facts to keep in mind:

• 1 in 8 women in the U.S. will face breast cancer in her lifetime.

• 1 in 833 men will, too.

• Early detection works when breast cancer is caught early, the 5-year survival rate is 99%.

These aren’t just numbers, they’re stories of our sisters, mothers, brothers, friends, and neighbors.

So, here’s my encouragement to you:

• Schedule your screening (no matter your gender).

• Check on your friends and family. Sometimes people put it off out of fear, cost, or lack of access. A reminder can be the push they need.

• Remember those we’ve lost and celebrate those who’ve survived.

At Byrd Barr Place, we know health is part of dignity. And part of loving our community is talking about the tough stuff and pushing for systems that give everyone equal access to care.

So don’t wait. Make the call. Book the appointment. Nudge a loved one. Because every life matters.

Where to Get Screened in Washington

Here are local and statewide resources for free or low-cost mammograms and breast cancer screenings:

• Washington State Breast, Cervical, and Colon Health Program (BCCHP)
  Free screenings for eligible people across the state. Call 1-888-438-2247 or visit doh.wa.gov.

• King County Cancer Resource Line
  Connects residents to local screening and support programs. Visit kingcounty.gov.

• Fred Hutch / UW Medicine Breast Imaging & Mobile Mammogram Van
  Mammograms and breast MRI available at clinics and mobile sites across the region. Visit fredhutch.org.

• Swedish Mobile Mammography Coach
  Traveling mammogram unit in Seattle-area neighborhoods. Visit swedish.org.

• Carol Milgard Breast Center — “First Look Voucher Program” (Tacoma)
  Financial assistance for diagnostic breast imaging for uninsured or low-income individuals. Visit carolmilgardbreastcenter.org.

Please share these resources with your loved ones. Sometimes, access and awareness make all the difference.