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  https://newjersey.news12.com/breast-cancer-awareness-month-young-newark-mom-misdiagnosed-helps-fight-racial-disparities
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The Fight for My Life

The Dismissive Silence My symptoms began in 2020, when I was just 30 years old. I was 33 when I was finally diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer. Early Symptoms My symptoms started subtly, but became increasingly concerning over time. Medical Neglect Despite my persistent complaints, doctors dismissed my concerns and failed to investigate further. Delayed Diagnosis The delay in diagnosis had devastating consequences, hindering effective treatment. The Racial Bias I'm a Black Puerto Rican woman from an urban area. The prejudice I faced felt as if my body wasn't my own for 30 years. Lack of Trust Many Black and Hispanic women feel distrust in the medical system due to a history of mistreatment. Misinformation Harmful stereotypes perpetuate the idea that Black and Hispanic women don't prioritize their health. Institutional Bias Systemic biases in healthcare lead to disparities in diagnosis and treatment. Lack of Access Limited access to quality healthcare, especially i
 
 

Not a boob job

The journey through misdiagnosis, disbelief, and ultimately, a life-altering diagnosis of triple negative breast cancer stage 3 was a whirlwind of emotions, frustrations, and unanswered questions. For 15 long months, I was told I was too young, that the rash on my breast was nothing more than eczema. But as the days passed and the symptoms worsened - heavy, red, hot, crusty yuck - it became clear that something more sinister was at play. Too young? Should I have to lift my shirt and show the world that mammograms shouldn't have an age minimum? Should I expose my chest to the editor and writer of that Wall Street Journal article that reduced a double mastectomy to a mere cosmetic procedure, as if I still had nipples to enhance? Sarah Thornton, the author of that article, did a disservice to breast cancer patients, survivors, and previvors alike. A mastectomy is not a choice made lightly, nor is it akin to a breast augmentation. It's a decision borne out of necessity, ou