Breast Cancer Awareness: A Real Conversation for Black Women in DC
By Lady Nwadike (Black Women Thriving East of the River) and C. Nickel (First Shift Justice Project)
Let’s be honest, breast cancer is one of those topics we know is important, but it can still feel scary or easy to push off. Between work, family, appointments, and everything else we juggle, it’s hard to put ourselves first. But here’s the truth: For Black women, early detection isn’t just important, it can save our lives. And if you live in Wards 7 or 8 in Washington, DC, getting screened and understanding your family history is one of the most powerful things you can do for your health. Let’s talk about why.
Why Black Women Must Be Extra Vigilant
Even though Black women don’t get breast cancer more often than White women, we are more likely to die from it.
Why?
It’s not because we’re “late” or “unhealthy.” The system often fails us.
We’re sometimes diagnosed later in the disease
We may face delays in follow-up and treatment
We’re more likely to have aggressive tumors (like triple-negative breast cancer)
Many of us don’t have easy access to screening centers, especially in Wards 7 and 8
And here’s another important piece: Black women are often diagnosed at younger ages.
Which means that waiting until 50 or “when I have time” just isn’t an option anymore.
Let’s Talk About Family History (It Matters More Than We Think!)
Sometimes we avoid asking family health questions because it feels uncomfortable. But knowing your family history can completely change your care plan.
Here’s why it’s powerful to ask your family:
✅ If your mother, sister, aunt, or grandmother had breast or ovarian cancer, your risk is higher
✅ Your doctor may recommend earlier or more frequent screenings
✅ You might qualify for genetic counseling or testing
✅ Even without a family history you still need to get screened! Most breast cancers happen with no known family link.
Think of family history as a flashlight– it helps your doctor see your risk more clearly.
So… Where Can You Get Screened in Wards 7 & 8?
Good news: there ARE local options! You don’t have to travel across town or pay out of pocket. Here are trusted resources in and around Wards 7 and 8:
Free mammograms and diagnostic follow-up for eligible women. They even help with transportation and appointments.
✅ Ralph Lauren Center for Cancer Prevention (Georgetown/Lombardi)
Community-focused screenings and patient navigation specifically serving east-of-the-river communities.
✅ MedStar’s Get2Breast CARE Program
Outreach, education, mammograms, and follow-up care in underserved wards.
✅ Local Community Health Centers (FQHCs)
Many clinics in Wards 7 and 8 offer mammograms or referrals at low or no cost.
✅ Breast Care for Washington, DC
A nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing breast cancer mortality in the Washington, DC area by providing access to screening, diagnostics, and treatment — regardless of a woman’s ability to pay.
📍 Address: 4 Atlantic Street SW, Washington, DC 20032
📞 Phone Number: (202) 465-7164
✅ Howard University Hospital – Benning Road Clinic (Ward 7)
Yes — there is a Howard location right in Ward 7! The Howard University Hospital Benning Road Health Center offers access to breast health services, including mammogram referrals and diagnostic follow-up.
They also understand the unique needs of Black women, and many patients say they feel seen and heard there.
📍 4414 Benning Rd NE, Washington, DC 20019
📞 Call to ask about mammograms or referrals: (202) 865-7677
Pro Tip: When you call any of these locations, say: “I’m interested in getting a mammogram. Can you help me schedule or connect me to the right place?” They can guide you through the next steps.
When Should I Start Getting Screened?
New recommendations say:
Start yearly mammograms at age 40.
But if you have a family history or personal risk factors?
Talk to your doctor about starting earlier.
And remember– breast exams and mammograms are not just about finding cancer. They’re about peace of mind and catching issues early when they’re most treatable.
Job Protection and Paid Leave: Don’t Fear Asking for Help
Taking time off to manage a breast cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming, especially when you’re worried about your job. This fear can make it hard to get screened and face a potential cancer diagnosis. But here is something you need to know: your job and your income may be protected under the law in D.C. In D.C., people with cancer and their family members are entitled to workplace protections, meaning their bosses can’t fire or retaliate against them for taking medical leave or caring for a family member.
There are two main laws to be aware of:
D.C. Family and Medical Leave Act (D.C. FMLA)
DC Paid Family Leave
DC FMLA
For eligible workers:
✅ Up to 32 weeks of job-protected leave every two years
➕ 16 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for medical treatment AND
➕ 16 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for family caregiving
✅ Guarantees that your job will be waiting for you when you return from leave
✅ Guarantees that your job will maintain your health insurance while you’re on leave
For family caregiving under this law, family is defined as someone who is related by blood, legal custody, marriage, or someone you are in a committed relationship with and have lived with for at least one year.
DC Paid Family Leave
For eligible workers:
✅ Provides income benefits while you are on job-protected leave from work
✅ Up to 12 weeks of paid leave per year for medical treatment, family caregiving, and parental leave
✅ Up to 2 additional weeks of paid leave per year for prenatal care
Don’t let the fear of losing your income or job keep you from getting the care you need! It’s okay to ask for time off and to lean on your family– they want to support you, you deserve it, and you may be legally entitled to it.
We know that asking for help can feel complicated. There’s a sense of pride and strength tied to doing things independently, which creates pressure to diminish your need for help. Black women often bear the weight of being caregivers, both for children and extended family, which can make it hard to ask for and accept help in return.
A community member talked with me about how she was continuing to work full-time while in cancer treatment, sometimes checking out from the hospital to go straight to work. When I encouraged her to make use of D.C. FMLA and D.C. Paid Family Leave, she felt that these protections were only for those who were on their deathbeds. The truth is that they are for any serious medical condition, including ongoing cancer treatment like chemotherapy, surgeries, or recovery. My own grandmother was hesitant to accept my taking time off from work to be there for her through her chemotherapy and radiation. Your family wants to be there to support you, and you can accept this support without fear of them losing their job thanks to D.C. FMLA and D.C. Paid Family Leave.
Reaching out for support from loved ones is not a sign of weakness and doesn’t diminish your strength. The people who care about you want to be there and help lighten your load during difficult times. Remember that you don’t have to carry it all by yourself. Asking for help is an act of courage and self-preservation.
Want to learn more about the workplace protections that you are eligible for?
First Shift provides free legal information and services on health-related workplace rights to workers in D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. Services range from individualized information on your workplace rights like D.C. FMLA, help coordinating benefits, to legal representation if you have been treated unfairly or denied your rights.
📞 Call or email to get free legal help: (202) 644-9043 or intake@firstshift.org
How You Can Take Action Today
Here are simple, doable steps:
✅ Ask your family about any history of breast or ovarian cancer
✅ Write it down and share it with your provider
✅ Schedule your mammogram (even if you feel fine!)
✅ Bring a friend or family member– make it a “self-care day”
✅ Learn more about your individual workplace rights
✅ Talk with your family and friends about the laws that can protect them in the workplace
✅ Share resources with other Black women in your life
Talking about breast health shouldn’t be scary or shameful. It’s an act of love — for ourselves, our families, and our community.
Black women are powerful, resilient, and deeply connected. But we can’t pour from an empty cup. Breast cancer awareness isn’t just about pink ribbons — it’s about making sure we stay here to live the full, vibrant lives we deserve.
You are worth early detection.
You are worth quality care.
You are worth the conversation.
