Personal Experience
As a Belizean-Guyanese American living in Los Angeles, breast cancer wasn’t new to my family. Like many Caribbean women, the fight against cancer runs deep in our history. My grandmother battled breast cancer decades ago, but she didn’t have the same access to care that I do today.
When I was diagnosed in November 2023, it was still a shock, despite my family history. Fear and anger hit me hard, but there was a glimmer of hope—it was caught early. Stage II DCIS. No chemo, no radiation needed. But a single mastectomy with reconstruction was necessary.
My Caribbean heritage played a significant role in my journey. My parents, immigrants from countries with fewer resources, showed me the strength of fighting for what matters. This made me fiercely grateful for the healthcare available in the US, a privilege my grandmother didn’t have. My journey wasn’t easy, but I wasn’t alone. Friends, family, and even my incredible cousin Huey—who put his life on hold to care for me and my daughter—rallied around me. My daughter’s school stepped up too, reminding me of the strength of community, especially when facing something as life-changing as cancer.
Being a Caribbean-American woman navigating the healthcare system, I was fortunate. My background as a pediatric RN helped me under
Advocacy: Your Voice Matters
As a nurse, navigating the healthcare system was easier for me. But many Caribbean-American women face language or cultural barriers. That’s why advocating for yourself is crucial, regardless of your background.
Here’s my advice, Queens: stay informed, research your options, and don’t hesitate to seek second or third opinions. Ask for a written treatment plan, keep detailed records, and explore integrative medicine if you wish. Fight for your life, but also remember to enjoy each day, even the tough ones.
Culture is important, but so is representation in healthcare. Breast cancer doesn’t discriminate—it can hit any woman, regardless of background. Seeing women of color, survivors, and fighters sharing their stories and treatment options is empowering. It shows the progress made since my grandma’s time and that I have a much higher chance of living a long, fulfilling life.
Stay informed, do your research, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. If you feel unheard, get a second or third opinion. Write down everything—diagnosis, treatment plans, medications, doctor appointments. Be proactive about your overall health, and explore integrative medicine options that combine traditional western treatments with holistic therapies.
Our Caribbean heritage is about strength and resilience. We come from lands that have faced challenges, and that fighting spirit is in our blood. Use it to fight for your life, and savor every day, even the tough ones.
Strength in Shared Experiences
I didn’t find any Caribbean-American specific support groups, but organizations like FTBOU are vital. We need resources and a platform to address the specific challenges faced by women of color. Body image changes, hair loss, hormone fluctuations, diet, and exercise all take on a different dimension for us.
FTBOU can be a beacon of awareness, knowledge, support, and community. Imagine this organization thriving in doctor’s offices nationwide, standing alongside giants like Susan G. Komen.
You Are Not Alone
This journey has been one of resilience, and my message to you, my Caribbean-American sisters, is simple: Keep fighting. Share your story, spread awareness, and hold onto hope. You have a reason to live, even on the roughest days. Find a support group, seek strength in shared experiences, and know you are not alone.
