New Campaign Seeks to Help Black Breast Cancer Patients

TOUCH, The Black Breast Cancer Alliance (TOUCHBBCA) and Unite for HER have launched Care for HER, a campaign aimed at addressing health disparities among Black breast cancer patients through integrative care and culturally tailored nurse navigation services—all at no personal cost.

Care for HER, which launched this October during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, offers 24/7 personal nurse navigation led by a Black breast cancer survivor and nurse with 24 years of experience. Participants also receive integrative therapies to support their physical and emotional well-being.

“Awareness is not enough. The current state of Black breast cancer demands action,” said Ricki Fairley, CEO and co-founder of TOUCHBBCA. “Our program provides nurse navigation and access to Unite for HER’s suite of services for free, helping Black women manage side effects, treatment challenges, and emotional barriers. Our message to patients is simple: you are not alone.”

The Durham area is one of the initial communities Care for HER is serving, alongside Philadelphia and Washington, D.C., with plans to expand into more cities by October 2025.

Addressing Disparities in Breast Cancer

According to the American Cancer Society, Black women are 41% more likely to die from breast cancer than white women and have the lowest five-year survival rate of any racial or ethnic group. TOUCHBBCA emphasizes that Black breast cancer presents unique challenges, underscoring the need for specialized care and support programs like Care for HER.

“Our vision is that every Black individual diagnosed with breast cancer feels the support of a loving community and gains access to comprehensive care that enhances their well-being,” said Sue Weldon, CEO and founder of Unite for HER. “Through Care for HER, patients can access therapies that help manage symptoms, improve treatment adherence, and boost their quality of life.”

Free Services Available Now

Care for HER is backed by Daiichi-Sankyo and AstraZeneca, with additional funding from October’s campaign ensuring that more patients can benefit from free integrative therapies, services, and personal nurse navigation.

Throughout October, TOUCHBBCA and Unite for HER are using social media to raise awareness of the importance of integrative care. Local patients are encouraged to enroll and hear from others who have benefited from the program.

Durham residents can learn more or enroll by visiting uniteforher.org/careforher.

About TOUCH, The Black Breast Cancer Alliance

TOUCHBBCA drives collaboration among patients, survivors, advocates, health professionals, researchers, and pharmaceutical companies to advance science and eradicate Black breast cancer. More information can be found at touchbbca.org.

About Unite for HER

Unite for HER supports individuals diagnosed with breast and ovarian cancer by providing integrative therapies, resources, and education at no personal cost. Its mission is to enhance the health and well-being of patients for life. Visit uniteforher.org to learn more.