Breast Cancer Awareness Month & Sisters Network Inc.

Each October, we team up with an organization that we believe is doing important work around breast cancer awareness and research. Through those relationships, we have learned a lot about the disease, how to detect it, and who is at risk. Last year, we also learned, that black women are 40% more likely to die of breast cancer than white women (CDC).

Some Contributing Factors... Lack of Health Insurance and Access to Healthcare "Black women are more likely to be screened at lower resourced and non-accredited facilities and also experience longer intervals between mammograms, and between abnormal results and follow-up." (Source: Gendered and racialized societal expectations, barriers, and delayed breast cancer diagnosis 2018).

Financial Toxicity “Black women with breast cancer experience a significantly worse financial impact. Disproportionate financial strain may contribute to higher stress, lower treatment compliance, and worse outcomes by race. Policies that help to limit the effect of cancer-related financial strain are needed." (Source: Financial Impact of Breast Cancer in Black Versus White Women 2018) This October, we are thrilled to be co-sponsoring with Sisters Network® Inc. and our sister brand, Curvy Couture . Founded in 1994 by four-time breast cancer survivor Karen Eubanks Jackson, SNI is a leading voice and the only national African American breast cancer survivorship organization in the United States. As a nationally recognized organization among leading medical establishments and breast cancer physicians, Sisters Network is also recognized as a critical information resource for African American women including financial resources, support groups and transportation resources to name a few. This month, Smart&Sexy has donated $20,000 to the SNI’s COVID-19 Breast Cancer Assistance Program (BCAP). This program was created to provide financial support to breast cancer survivors impacted by the COVID-19 Pandemic. In addition, it provides mammograms for women who cannot afford to pay for a mammogram or are non insured. It is imperative that we talk about Breast Cancer this month, and always. When was the last time you talked to your mom, sister, or friends about breast cancer? Remind your loves one, that when it comes to breast cancer, early detection is imperative. Mammograms, clinical and self-breast exams are all ways we can stay on top of changes in our own bodies, but it’s also important to have honest and consistent conversations, online and off. Encourage and inspire your loved ones to check in on their health. For more resources, please visit Sisters Network® Inc. Be sure to check out Smart&Sexy's month long posts in partnership with Sisters Network® Inc. and Curvy Couture on social, including an exciting give-a-way coming soon! Follow along- you do not want to miss out.