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
DEVELOPING 122 active wildfires burning across Canada, 32 considered 'out of control'
The 2024 wildfire season has begun, and it's shaping up to follow last year's unprecedented destruction in kind, with thousands of square kilometres already consumed.
B.C. parents sentenced to 15 years for death of 6-year-old boy
A British Columbia Supreme Court judge has sentenced the mother and stepfather of a six-year-old boy who died from blunt-force trauma in 2018 to 15 years in prison.
Veteran TSN sportscaster Darren Dutchyshen has died
Veteran TSN broadcaster Darren 'Dutch' Dutchyshen, one of Canada’s best-known sports journalists, has died. He was 57. His family says 'he passed as he was surrounded by his closest loved ones.'
Miller scores late as Canucks grind out 3-2 win over Oilers in Game 5
J.T. Miller scored in the final minute of the game and the Vancouver Canucks came back for a 3-2 victory over the Edmonton Oilers in Game 5 of their second-round playoff series Thursday.
Think twice before sharing 'heartbreaking' social media posts, RCMP warn
Mounties in B.C. are urging people to think twice before sharing "heartbreaking posts" on social media.
Police issue Canada-wide warrant for Regina homicide suspect
Police have issued a Canada-wide warrant for a man wanted in a homicide which occurred in Regina on May 12.
Trudeau calls New Brunswick's Conservative government a 'disgrace' on women's rights
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau assailed New Brunswick's premier and other conservative leaders on Thursday, calling out the provincial government's position on abortion, LGBTQ youth and climate change.
Kevin Spacey receives star support as he fights to get his career back
Kevin Spacey is pushing back on the 'rush to judgment' against him and is being backed by some big names as he seeks to reclaim his acting career.
Speaker cuts ties with Sask. Party, alleges he faced threats, harassment from gov't MLAs
The Speaker of the Saskatchewan Legislature Randy Weekes has severed ties with the Sask. Party after accusing some members of harassment and intimidation tactics, including a situation he claimed saw the Government House Leader bring a hunting rifle to the legislative building.