Quebec campaign shines light on breast cancer disparities for Black women
One in eight Quebec women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime and it's the most common cancer in females, but there's a specific type that disproportionately affects women of African descent.
It's called triple-negative breast cancer — it's a rarer, more aggressive form of cancer with fewer treatment options. It's also less responsive to hormone therapy and targeted therapies.
A new awareness campaign in Quebec aims to highlight that health outcomes can differ for women of colour. They face higher mortality rates because of a wide range of factors, including disparities in screening, diagnosis, access to care, and a lack of data on the specific cases of Black and racialized women.
CTV News spoke to Dorothy Rhau, the president of Audace au Feminin, who is also one of the honourary presidents of the awareness campaign. She says she wants to break the silence on this issue, which hits close to home.
"Unfortunately my mom had breast cancer twice, and I wasn't aware of that until after the second time," said Rhau, adding that she believes there is a lack of education in the Black community about the importance of communicating on health matters.
"I don't think that they know that if they don't share the information, it's impacting other women in the family. It could be your children, your siblings, your aunts, your grandmother — all the women in the family. So it's really important to talk about that because you need to save the lives of the women that you love," she said.
The "Tétons Ben Drôles" campaign aims to promote access to preventive care for all women and encourage mammograms starting at 40 years old because early detection is critical.
Rhau said the name of the campaign was chosen to inject humour into a serious subject and give it a local cultural spin by using a French term for breasts and a Québécois play on words.
While the campaign is Quebec-based, fundraising efforts go beyond the province's borders. Organizers are collaborating with Dr. Juliet Daniel, a professor in the Department of Biology and Associate Dean Research and External Relations in the Faculty of Science at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ont.
"She's doing fundamental research on triple-negative breast cancer," said Rhau. "We wanted to make sure that we're starting to get funds, but also data on Black women and racialized women who have breast cancer."
The campaign launches with a fundraising art exhibition on Thursday called "Man of colors for his sisters," featuring works by artist St. Ghor.
The event starts at Mael Galerie on St. Paul Street West in Old Montreal at 5:00 p.m.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.