I am a Black woman who survived breast cancer

My name is Kim Brister. I am a Black woman who has survived breast cancer because WellSpan gave me the gift of focused, compassionate care that resulted in both the early detection and treatment of my breast cancer.

I want all women to know how important it is to be regularly screened for breast cancer. Early detection can be the difference between life and death for some women.

You may be surprised to learn that Black women, like me, have a 40 percent higher death rate from breast cancer and that among women under the age of 50, the disparity is even greater.

While young women overall have a higher incidence of aggressive cancers, young Black women face double the mortality rate.

I was blessed with caregivers who made sure I did not have that experience.

My breast cancer journey began in 2021 when a suspicious spot on my right breast appeared in my regular mammogram.

My wonderful WellSpan gynecologist, Dr. Jilian White, ensured everything was OK with follow-up ultrasounds and recommended that if my upcoming mammogram continued to show the spot, I should have a biopsy.

During that annual exam, there was another suspicious finding. This time, it was on the left breast.The radiologist ordered a biopsy and on the morning of Jan. 12, Dr. White called me and said, “I have some difficult news.”

The good news, if there was any at this point, was that my cancer was stage 1 and treatable.

I felt reassured when a treatment plan was put into place after my lumpectomy.

Next up was radiation treatments, 23 in all. My goal was to complete them before my mom’s birthday party, and I did!

Now, I follow my treatment plan to help stop the growth of breast tumors and also work to stay in shape, knowing that diet and exercise are critical for my long-term breast and overall health.

Plans and goals? I have lots of them, thanks to the future I can once again see ahead of me now thanks for the proper care and treatment I have received.

I also have peace of mind as a mother of three children after participating in the Gene Health Project in partnership with Helix at WellSpan.

After enrolling and providing a vial of blood, my DNA sample was analyzed by Helix. This research opportunity tested a number of hereditary risks, including but not limited to breast and ovarian cancer syndrome.

My tests all came back negative, helping my children and I look forward to happy days ahead.

Even if you do not have a genetic predisposition for breast cancer, some women also share another trait of mine: extremely dense breasts, a type of tissue that increases your risk of breast cancer and makes self-exams challenging.

Another reason to ensure you get regular mammograms.

The American Cancer Society recommends women start getting mammograms at the age of 40.  WellSpan brings its mobile mammography unit to areas where a woman might be struggling to access preventive screenings, whether due to finances or access. WellSpan has programs in place to help with costs when needed.

This experience has taught me so much.

Here's my takeaway for all women – and those who love them.

Early detection of breast cancer and excellent follow-up treatment are critical for your recovery and your prognosis. I’m cancer-free today because I had the care that WellSpan also can offer you.

Do it for yourself, and for all those birthdays and goals you have ahead that you want to celebrate with your family, friends and everyone you hold near and dear.

To learn more about the convenient and accessible mammography services and the Gene Health Project, visit www.WellSpan.org today.

Kim Brister is vice president and chief diversity, equity, and inclusion officer at WellSpan Health.

This article originally appeared on York Daily Record: I'm a Black woman who survived breast cancer in York, Pa.