When it comes to protecting your health, knowledge is not just power — it is protection, prevention, and peace of mind. One of the most important tools in the fight against breast cancer is understanding
When it comes to protecting your health, knowledge is not just power — it is protection, prevention, and peace of mind. One of the most important tools in the fight against breast cancer is understanding your family’s medical history. For Black women in particular, who face disproportionately high mortality rates from breast cancer and are nearly twice as likely to be diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer (TNBC), this knowledge can mean the difference between life and loss.
At the Erica J. Holloman Foundation, we believe that every woman deserves to be fully informed and fully supported in her journey toward health and wholeness. That journey begins with awareness, and one of the first steps is understanding your family’s health history.
Why Your Family History Matters
When breast cancer runs in families, it is often due to inherited genetic mutations that increase the risk of developing the disease. These inherited risks can be passed down from either side of the family, not just from mothers to daughters. If your mother, sister, grandmother, aunt, or even a cousin has had breast or ovarian cancer, especially at a younger age, your own risk of developing breast cancer may be significantly higher.
Certain inherited mutations, like BRCA1 and BRCA2, are known to drastically raise the risk of both breast and ovarian cancer. These mutations are also associated with triple negative breast cancer, one of the most aggressive and difficult-to-treat forms of the disease. Unfortunately, Black women are less likely to be offered genetic counseling and testing, and many are never made aware of the importance of gathering this type of information.
But you deserve to know your risks. You deserve to be proactive.
How to Start the Conversation
Talking about health can be difficult in many families, especially when it involves cancer. There may be shame, fear, or generational silence. But pushing past that discomfort could save your life or the life of someone you love.
Here are some helpful questions to guide your conversation:
Has anyone in our family been diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer?
What age were they at the time of diagnosis?
Was their cancer aggressive or classified as triple negative?
Has anyone had genetic testing or been told they carry a gene mutation?
Are there any other major health conditions that run in our family?
It helps to write down what you learn and store it in a place you can return to and update over time. Even if you do not get every detail, the effort is a step toward protecting yourself and your legacy.
Take the Next Step with Your Doctor
Once you gather your family history, make an appointment with your healthcare provider. Share what you have learned and do not be afraid to ask questions. You have the right to advocate for your health.
Ask your doctor:
Should I begin screening earlier than age 40 based on my family history?
Is genetic testing something I should consider?
Can I be referred to a genetic counselor or breast health specialist?
Are there lifestyle changes I should make now to lower my risk?
What are the most accurate screening options available for someone with my risk level?
You should never feel dismissed or rushed through this conversation. If you do, consider seeking out another provider who takes your concerns seriously. Your voice matters.
What You Can Do Right Now
You do not need to wait for something to go wrong to take action. Here are a few steps you can take today to protect your future:
1. Write It Down
Start a family health journal. Include any diagnoses you learn about, dates, ages, and other relevant details.
2. Schedule Your Screenings
If you are 25 or older and have a family history, talk to your doctor about early screening options such as breast MRIs or ultrasounds, even if you are not yet 40.
3. Get Educated
Follow trusted sources like the Erica J. Holloman Foundation, the American Cancer Society, and the Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation for accurate, up-to-date information.
4. Share the Knowledge
Talk to your siblings, children, cousins, and friends. Knowledge is not just for you — it can save others too.
5. Consider Genetic Counseling
If your risk appears elevated, a genetic counselor can help you decide if testing is right for you and walk you through your options.
The Power of Knowing Saves Lives
You do not have to live in fear. Being aware of your family’s health history and taking steps to understand your personal risk is one of the most empowering things you can do. It is an act of self-love and responsibility. Early detection saves lives, and the sooner you know your risk, the sooner you can do something about it.
At the Erica J. Holloman Foundation, we are committed to making sure every woman — especially Black women — knows her worth and her options. We believe that prevention starts with education and that no one should have to navigate this journey alone.
