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...