Karen Eubanks Jackson made history by becoming the first Black woman to receive the prestigious 2025 ASCO Patient Advocacy Award, an honor granted by the American Society of Clinical Oncology. But her story, one of resilience, vision, and unstoppable advocacy, began decades earlier, with a breast cancer diagnosis that would change her life and the future of Black women’s health advocacy forever.
A Personal Battle That Sparked a National Movement
In 1993, Jackson was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer, despite having undergone yearly mammograms and being proactive due to her family history. A 3.5cm tumor, which had gone undetected for years, was discovered only after she advocated for additional screening.
“It made me wonder,” Jackson recalls. “Even with knowledge, I still fell through the cracks.”
That realization became the fuel for her life’s mission: to ensure no other Black woman had to face breast cancer alone or without culturally competent care. In 1994, while still undergoing treatment, she founded Sisters Network® Inc., the first and now largest national Black breast cancer survivorship organization.
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Building a Movement: Programs Created “By Us, For Us”
Sisters Network is a community-driven powerhouse, offering programs shaped specifically for the needs of Black women:
- Gift for Life Block Walk®: Volunteers go door-to-door in underserved communities to educate residents on breast health.
- Teens 4 Pink: A mobile-based education initiative that trains young girls to become ambassadors of breast health in their communities.
- Webinars & Conferences: Designed with evolving community needs in mind, including virtual access for women unable to attend in-person sessions.
- Take Charge of Your Health: A program for women ages 25–40 to empower them with knowledge before a diagnosis ever occurs.
- Annual National Conference: Brings together survivors, healthcare professionals, and advocates to share best practices and build camaraderie.
“We’re not stuck in one type of message,” Jackson tells BlackDoctor.org. “Whatever our community needs—that’s the message we deliver.”
Filling the Gaps Left by Traditional Healthcare
Traditional breast cancer systems often fail Black women due to mistrust, lack of culturally sensitive outreach, and systemic disparities. Jackson and her organization stepped in to change that narrative.
“The gap is being filled by Sisters Network,” she explains. “We’ve earned trust in the community—because we tell the truth and offer what’s needed in a way that is welcomed.”
The organization boldly named the issue Black Breast Cancer Crisis, bringing urgency and national attention to racial disparities in detection, treatment, and outcomes.
A National Creed and a Global Impact
Guided by the creed: “In unity there is strength, in strength there is power, and in power there is change,” Jackson has led Sisters Network through a transformative three-decade journey.
That strength, she says, has now evolved into the power to influence policy and advocacy at the national level.
Breaking Silence and Stigma: A Message for the Next Generation
Jackson hopes her story—and her memoir—resonates deeply with young Black women.
“I never felt shame about my diagnosis, and I want other women to feel empowered, not silenced,” she says. “Information and sisterhood are our foundations. We’ve trained thousands of survivors to become advocates. It’s how we pass the baton.”
The ASCO Award: A Milestone for the Movement
Reflecting on receiving the ASCO Patient Advocacy Award, Jackson says, “I understand I’m the first Black woman to receive this honor. This is transformative—not just for me, but for Sisters Network.”
The award elevates the organization to an international platform, as ASCO convenes over 30,000 researchers and doctors from 100+ countries. Jackson views this as an opportunity to amplify the voices of Black women globally and accelerate policy change.
“This recognition is a powerful tool,” she affirms. “It’s a signal that our work matters on the world stage.”
Looking Ahead: “We’re Working Toward a Cure”
As Sisters Network approaches the next chapter, Jackson is laser-focused on supporting clinical trials, expanding national partnerships, and preparing for an upcoming summit in October 2025.
“Our community knows now—this means us,” she says. “We’re no longer waiting to be diagnosed to take action. We are informed, we are ready, and we are powerful.”
Final Words
Karen Eubanks Jackson has reshaped the conversation around breast cancer for Black women in America—and now, with the ASCO award, she brings that advocacy to a global audience.
Her mission is far from over. But today, her legacy is already clear: a movement built from pain, powered by purpose, and led with love.
To support or learn more about Sisters Network Inc., visit sistersnetworkinc.org.
