Dianne Townsend – Empowering Black Women Against Breast Cancer

For more than two decades, Dianne Townsend has been a steadfast advocate for breast cancer awareness, particularly within African American communities. A 36-year survivor and five-time breast cancer warrior, Townsend was just 33 years old when a self-breast exam led to a life-changing diagnosis. Determined to ensure that other women—especially those in underserved communities—had access to knowledge, support, and resources, she founded the Jacksonville chapter of the Sisters Network 19 years ago, during a time when support groups were scarce.

As President of the Northeast Florida Sisters Network, Townsend has been on the frontlines dispelling myths and misinformation about breast cancer, empowering women with lifesaving information, and advocating for better health outcomes. “I don’t know everything, and I surely don’t know a whole lot,” Townsend humbly shares, “but I would like to know that there’s somebody out there watching over me.” 

In this conversation, we delve into her incredible journey, the challenges still facing minority and under-served communities in breast cancer care, and the impact of her work in Northeast Florida and beyond.

You are a 37-year breast cancer survivor and have led the Sisters Network for 27 years. What inspired you to take on this role, and how has your journey shaped your advocacy?

I was diagnosed at the age of 33, an age when like most women I was not thinking about breast cancer.  Furthermore, I did not have a family history, nor did I personally know of anyone who had been diagnosed.  At the time, I also lacked basic information about the disease and it’s devastating impact on African American women. Had it not been for the monthly breast self-examinations that I began at age 20, I may not have discovered my lump in a timely fashion. In addition, I would not have received my first mammography screening for another seven years. Being ill-prepared for this disease but having a desire to become more knowledgeable (and to be able share what I learn) led me to establish Florida’s first chapter of Sisters Network, an African American breast cancer survivorship organization. My personal journey over the past 27 years has inspired and shaped my advocacy work.  If I was able to save myself and possibly prolong my life by being proactive, surely other women could benefit from the information sharing, support, and encouragement of others with firsthand experience.

What are some of the most common myths about breast cancer that persist in African American and underserved communities?

I've been speaking and advocating within the underserved and minority communities for over 27 years.  Initially, I recognized that many of the common myths and much misinformation about breast cancer existed (e.g., “No, it’s not an older woman’s disease”; “No, breast cancer may not be painful”).  I quickly understood that it was mostly due to a lack of information and a lack of comfort speaking out about the disease.  In my presentations, I always presented the facts as a way to debunk the myths and misinformation. It seemed to work because I have observed African American women are choosing to equip themselves with the right information and have become more outspoken about their breast health. However, awareness education in the underserved and minority communities must be on-going as long as the data shows the breast cancer mortality rate for African American women remains greater than all other ethnicities, and that health care disparities are still great for this community.

Studies show that Black women are more likely to be diagnosed with aggressive forms of breast cancer and face higher mortality rates. What systemic barriers contribute to these disparities?

I am aware that systemic barriers such as access and timely follow up contribute to poorer outcomes for Black women. However, according to the scientists, African American women are more likely to be diagnosed with aggressive forms (especially for younger black women who are more likely to be diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer) that are harder to treat. My advocacy work is aimed at educating Black women (including the younger populations) in the benefit of screening, early detection and early treatment to improve survival rates. While the scientists continue their valuable work in epidemiology, prevention and treatment, I believe focusing on breast health and breast cancer education is key to saving and/or prolonging lives in this community.

What steps can healthcare institutions, like Mayo Clinic, take to build trust and improve access to quality care for African American women?

Mayo Clinic and other healthcare institutions may have the best quality programs; however, the needs of the African American community are different, and must be addressed accordingly. Building trust, building a presence in the community, and engaging individuals is important. I firmly believe that improving communications, listening, and responding helps to build the trust that will lead individuals to seeking timely care and choosing to advocate for themselves and others.

Over the years, how has the Sisters Network helped change the conversation about breast cancer within African American communities?

Since its inception, 27 years ago, Sisters Network Northeast Florida, Inc. has been serving the community as a breast cancer survivorship organization, by providing support to survivors, education to the community, and its advocacy work to improve access to care and resources. Our annual workshops (serving hundreds since 1999) have presented numerous topics of interest to African American women, breast cancer survivors, their caregivers and families. These workshops have been well-received and well-attended by the community, and attendees not only feel empowered to take charge of their own health, but feel confident enough to share the information. Another annual event that this group is known for specifically targets minority and underserved communities with information on breast health and mammography screening. Reaching thousands in the past 25 years, both of these recurring events has helped to add, change, and improve the conversation about breast cancer in the African American communities.

Can you share a story that stands out to you about a woman whose life was changed through the Sisters Network’s efforts?

One story that comes to mind is that of a woman who had volunteered with Sisters Network Northeast Florida since its inception in 1997 before her own diagnosis of breast cancer 15 years later.  As she has shared on many occasions, she is certain that her cancer journey was “positively” impacted by the information and experiences she gained long before her diagnosis.  She not only had a support system of survivors in place, but already understood what was to be expected, and how to speak with her doctors about her treatment.

What advice would you give to women—especially those in underserved communities—who are hesitant to get screened or seek treatment?

The advice from me for all women of all ages, especially those in underserved communities, is to know the risks and symptoms of breast cancer, know how to check your breasts for changes, and if your doctor has recommended screening, not to hesitate.  Breast cancer screenings have been proven to reduce death by detecting tumors earlier than they can be felt and getting into treatment as early as possible can be lifesaving.

How can individuals and organizations support your mission and help close the gap in breast cancer disparities?

Sisters Network’s mission is to bring attention to the devastating impact that breast cancer has in the African American community.  To ensure that our services are on-going, support of this Chapter’s programs can be given in a number of ways including providing financial assistance through donations, volunteering for community outreach, sharing community resources through partnerships, and ensuring that those in need of our services are informed by spreading the word.

To learn more about Dianne Townsend and the Northeast Florida Sisters Network chapter, please visit www.sistersnetworkinc.org.