Karen Eubanks Jackson is set to make history this June by being the first Black woman to receive the prestigious 2025 ASCO Patient Advocate Award at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting in Chicago.
This honor recognizes Jackson’s remarkable journey as a four-time breast cancer survivor and the transformative impact of Sisters Network® Inc., the national organization she founded, dedicated to supporting African-American women affected by breast cancer.
The ASCO Annual Meeting, which attracts over 40,000 professionals, researchers, and advocates from more than 100 countries, serves as a platform not only for advancements in cancer research but also for addressing equity and access issues that marginalized populations face.
Jackson’s work began in 1994, emerging from both personal experience and the desire to foster connection among Black women facing the unique challenges of breast cancer.
“Breast cancer was rarely discussed in our community,” Jackson recalls, noting how stigmatized such conversations were.
She encountered a culture of silence and shame regarding breast cancer but was determined to shift this narrative, focusing on education and support within Black communities.
Over the years, Sisters Network® Inc. evolved from a small group into a powerful advocate for education, early detection, and policy change, challenging the conventional healthcare structures that often overlook minority communities.
As Jackson prepares to accept the award, she reflects on how far the organization has come and the significant obstacles that remain.
“Starting from scratch was our biggest hurdle,” she acknowledges.
“People avoided me, equating my status as a breast cancer survivor to societal shame. Yet, I believed someone would eventually hear our message. We transformed that shame into a source of strength through visibility.”
Despite the growth in awareness and support for breast cancer over the past three decades, Jackson emphasizes that disparities still prevail for African-American women.
“Guidelines recommend mammograms beginning at age 40, but many Black women are experiencing breast cancer and dying before reaching that age,” she states.
This discrepancy represents a significant gap in early detection practices and advocacy efforts, prompting Sisters Network® Inc. to continue prioritizing education on the realities that Black women face.
Funding and access to care remain pressing issues.
Jackson points out the inequitable funding distribution where organizations focusing on marginalized populations receive significantly less support despite effectively addressing critical needs.
“This organization has done the work with limited resources,” she asserts, underscoring the commitment to offering essential services like free mammograms.
Sisters Network® Inc. has enabled many women to navigate complicated healthcare systems, highlighting that even those who are educated and insured often feel overwhelmed and unsupported.
Jackson believes empowering women to understand their rights and advocate for themselves is crucial in a system that wasn’t designed for them.
“I consistently hear from women who struggle to access care, despite their numerous resources. Our role is to bridge that gap,” she explains.
Looking to the future, Jackson has an ambitious vision for Sisters Network® Inc.
“We need to change the mammogram age guidelines to reflect the realities of Black women’s lives,” she insists.
“Furthermore, we must advocate for greater participation in clinical trials, ensuring that treatments are effective for our communities.”
Her desires extend beyond healthcare guidelines; they also include fostering awareness that breast cancer is a concern for everyone and emphasizing the importance of early detection and research.
Jackson’s acceptance of the ASCO Patient Advocate Award is a testament to the impact of her work and the advocacy for Black women facing breast cancer.
Her voice will resonate on a global stage, serving as a pivotal reminder of the significance of community-rooted advocacy in effecting meaningful change.
As Jackson prepares for this milestone moment, she remains dedicated to her mission and to ensuring that every Black woman diagnosed with breast cancer feels seen, supported, and empowered.
For more information on how to get involved, visit www.sistersnetworkinc.org.
Brandon Pope, the author of this article, is an Emmy-winning multimedia journalist dedicated to covering vital topics and shaping the future of journalism. He serves as Editor-in-chief of a news platform while advancing educational opportunities for aspiring journalists.
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