first mammogram and a lot of them get called back for inconsistencies because they don’t have anything to compare it to. They have to make sure they’re taking the right precautions,” Parker adds.
This realization also spurred her to share her experience with her friends, only to discover that many of them had gone through similar situations. With this revelation, she decided to open the door to discussions about breast health and screening, especially among Black women.
Parker is currently a spokesperson for Merck’s Uncovering TNBC campaign. The initiative aims to bring awareness, support, community, and information to women dealing with TNBC. “Triple Negative Breast Cancer is a more aggressive form of breast cancer, and many people aren’t aware of its impact,” Parker explains.
The campaign also focuses on providing resources for women, including access to advocacy groups. These groups offer invaluable advice and strategies to help Black women advocate for themselves within the healthcare system. “Doctors are people too,” Parker reminds us. “Finding the right approach and being empowered to ask questions and seek second opinions can make a world of difference in your healthcare journey.”
As part of her advocacy work, Parker has had the privilege of meeting and sharing stories with TNBC survivors. These encounters have reinforced her commitment to the cause and underscored the urgency of early diagnosis and access to information.
“I had an amazing sit-down with Jazmine, Keisha and Lyndsay,” she says, reflecting on her conversations with TNBC survivors. “They were at different stages of life, different ages, and career paths, but TNBC affected them similarly, mentally and emotionally.”
The stories of these women have had a profound impact on Parker. They’ve shown her the strength and resilience that Black women can exhibit when faced with adversity. “It’s not a death sentence,” Parker asserts. “There is hope as long as we get early screenings, provide information, and have open discussions with our healthcare providers.”
Nina Parker’s guidance for Black women who are advocating for their own needs
In her journey from trauma to advocacy, Parker is empowering Black women to take control of their breast health. Through her work with the Uncovering TNBC campaign and her dedication to raising awareness, providing support, and fostering a sense of community, she’s changing lives and giving hope to those who need it most.
If you find yourself having to advocate on your own behalf, Parker offers some tips:
- Utilize advocacy groups. “I really recommend going to uncovertnbc.com.These advocacy groups provide a wealth of information and tips on how to approach your healthcare provider, but also just other experiences because I sometimes think that we feel like we’re going through things alone,” Parker says.
- Shop around until you find the right doctor. “We may not be a fit for every single doctor so I think finding that access and knowing that you actually are empowered to make these types of decisions is very very helpful. I think a lot of people think they have to stay with this one particular doctor,” she adds.