Enoree, South Carolina, holds the roots of my family heritage. Within this small town, my great-grandparents, Marie and Jurell, nurtured a large family of 12 children. Among them, my grandmother Loraine stood as the eldest daughter. Regrettably, the shadow of cancer looms over our family, as we have lost many loved ones to its grasp. From breast cancer to multiple myeloma, prostate cancer to lung cancer, the devastating impact of this disease has taken the lives of all but two of my great-grandparents’ children.
With a family cancer history on both my maternal and paternal sides, including my father Curry III and grandfather Curry Jr., I possessed valuable information that I could share with my breast surgeon. Armed with this knowledge, I was able to assess my personal risk of developing breast cancer over the course of my lifetime. The results were staggering, indicating a risk exceeding 20%. This revelation presented me with life-altering choices. As a result, I now undergo two screenings annually: a 3D mammogram and a Breast MRI, providing me with enhanced surveillance and peace of mind.
Additionally, I took the initiative to consult with a genetic counselor who guided me through the process of genetic testing to further assess my risk. Surprisingly, the results revealed the presence of the BCL6 gene, which significantly heightens my susceptibility to lymphoma. Armed with this newfound knowledge, I am empowered to proactively address this potential threat. Regular consultations with my medical oncologist and timely blood work have become integral parts of my preventive measures. Recognizing the importance of sharing this information, I also provided it to my family, prompting my mother to undergo genetic testing as well.
Based on the outcomes of my genetic testing, and contingent upon my mother’s results, we have the opportunity to participate in clinical trials. I am aware that the mention of clinical trials often evokes apprehension among black and brown communities. The historical legacies of Tuskegee, Henrietta Lacks, and medical apartheid understandably contribute to this hesitation. However, it is crucial to acknowledge that one of the key distinctions lies in the presence of informed consent. Nowadays, individuals who choose to enroll in clinical trials are provided with comprehensive information, and they retain the freedom to withdraw from the trial at any point. In the field of oncology, clinical trial participants are never administered placebos or sugar pills. Instead, they receive, at the very least, the standard of care treatment. It is important to honor our past while recognizing the advancements made in ensuring ethical practices and patient autonomy within clinical trials.
The significance of clinical trials cannot be overstated; they have the potential to save lives. It is crucial to understand how to effectively combat and treat the specific conditions present within our bodies. Each culture, race, and ethnicity possesses unique strands of DNA, meaning that what may be effective for one individual may not work for another. This underscores the importance of enrolling in clinical trials. Consider the HIV/AIDS epidemic as an example. Countless lives were lost, including my uncle Kyle, my mother’s brother, in 1985. However, scientists were able to develop life-saving medications that catered to the diverse DNA of every individual affected. This approach ensured that regardless of culture, race, or ethnicity, there were medications available for those diagnosed. Similarly, we must adopt the same mindset when it comes to breast cancer and all other forms of cancer. We must treat it as an epidemic and strive to save every life, without exception.
As a community, as a culture, advocacy runs deep within us. We have fought for our right to vote, for our voices to be heard, and for our recognition as individuals. It is imperative that we extend this same spirit of advocacy to our bodies. If you notice any unusual sensations or changes in your breasts or body, it is crucial to speak up. Never allow anyone to dismiss or ignore your concerns. Never accept the notion that you are “too young for cancer” because such a notion holds no truth.
Advocate for yourself as passionately as you would advocate for your children, parents, spouse, or loved ones. This is how we empower future generations, just as we have always been empowered. I have learned from my community the importance of raising your voice, even if you stand alone. By empowering generations to understand their family’s cancer history, participate in clinical trials, undergo genetic testing, and advocate for themselves, we are actively saving lives. Our hope is that one day, through this empowerment, future generations will no longer have to fight the same battles, but instead, they will only remember the struggles of the past.
