Last October, Word In Black asked its community to speak candidly about breast cancer — their fears, experiences, and what might be standing between them and a mammogram.
Nearly 1,000 Black women responded. In a conversation with host Shernay Williams and health reporter Jennifer Porter Gore, Dr. Christa Mahlobo, director of Word In Black’s Insights & Research Division, shared what the survey revealed: nearly 60% of respondents said fear or anxiety about the procedure or its results had delayed screening.
READ MORE: When Fear Becomes a Health Risk
The research also uncovered a troubling genetic testing gap — almost three-quarters said a healthcare provider had never discussed genetic counseling with them — despite Black women’s higher risk of aggressive cancers such as triple-negative breast cancer.
Knowledge gaps persist as well — only 6% identified being overweight or obesity as risk factors. The survey further found that fact-based, risk-reduction messaging was more effective at encouraging screening than testimonial or community-framed appeals, underscoring how communication strategies matter.
As you’ll see in the video above, the findings are personal.
During the discussion, Mahlobo, Porter Gore, and Williams each shared that they have lost family members to breast cancer — a reminder that the data reflects lived reality. Mahlobo admitted that beginning the research brought a sense of trepidation, particularly given her own family history. But immersing herself in the stories and science, she said, left her feeling empowered rather than fearful — better equipped to understand risk, advocate for screening, and share information year-round, not just during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.