Top of Mind
Is Cancer Colour-Blind? Michelle Audoin is driving change by highlighting the unique experience of Black women with cancer.
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hen Michelle Audoin was diagnosed with cancer in 2017, she wasn’t expecting to become an advocate for Black women facing cancer. But for this teacher, wife and mother of two, speaking out about her own experience and encouraging other Black
women to do the same was a necessity. “My breast cancer was already at an advanced stage, but the healthcare professionals didn’t realize that until after the initial biopsy. I had to really advocate for myself at this time.” Michelle notes that Black women have unique challenges in the cancer care space that others may not. For instance, “in Canada we don’t collect race-based data and that’s problematic. Some forms of breast cancer affect Black women differently. And if Black women aren’t aware of their risk, they won’t speak out for themselves. I think Black women need to know they can be at risk.” After a diagnosis, knowing what to expect during treatment helps many women feel prepared. But when the images available in doctor’s offices, pamphlets, and television are of women who don’t look like you, it can be difficult for BIPOC
(Black, Indigenous, People of Colour) people to feel supported or ready to take on their diagnosis. “I was two years into breast cancer and hadn’t seen myself reflected in the materials I received”, says Michelle. “There is also a lack of other racialized or Black women in clinical trials. I know for me and other Black women, we experienced side effects from treatment that were not on the list. When you bring this up, your medical team may not even have the information, or take your concerns seriously. But, when you talk to other Black women, they also experience the same sideeffects.” For Michelle, speaking up and being gentle with herself was key throughout her diagnosis. She played a key role in creating Uncovered: A Breast Recognition Project, with Rethink Breast Cancer highlighting the unique experience of Black women with cancer in both words
When the images are of women who don’t look like you, it can be difficult to feel supported. 26 I LOO K GOO D FE E L B E T TE R
PHOTOGRAPHY MARK SHORT HAIR + MAKEUP CELESTE RUSSOUW STYLING SANTANAE LUZIGE (PLUTINO GROUP)
Madina Tabesh
