About Us
Begin to live each day to the fullest; as if it was the only one you had.
Betterdays Cancer Care was founded in 2002, by Marina Raime. Betterdays provides advocacy and support for women with breast cancer. The primary objective of this organization is to provide a strong support base and an emotional safe haven for breast cancer survivors to express their fears, frustrations, and concerns.
Betterdays Cancer Care is committed to increasing local and national attention on the devastating impact of breast cancer on the African-Caribbean community. For several years, Betterdays has been researching with Seeta Patel on different community outreach projects. This year, we hope to compile their stories and produce a documentary to help women through the struggles of breast cancer survivorship.
Research has revealed that there are vast disparities in the take up of screening, and high incidence rates of mortality amongst this group of women when compared to other groups. In addition obtaining skin coloured breast forms and wigs is an issue along with access to information. When it came to breast prosthesis, I thought we were all in the same boat - devastated. I had never taken the time to think about how it would feel if my breast and hair were more a cultural or political issue for me.
As I began looking for commentary, searching for information, and seeking the voices of women of colour dealing with this issue; I was astounded to discover what felt like an enormous void. Where were the websites devoted to this topic? Is it possible I simply didn't know what words to goggle? Perhaps if I use Brown instead of African Caribbean in my search - or Brown breast forms for women of colour - Brown prosthesis. While this lack of information certainly inhibited my ability to obtain prosthesis, a moment of clarity made me realise what this would mean if other women of colour were looking for information and help.
Seeta and I have looked at the levels of breast cancer awareness amongst this group of women. Recording the age of diagnosis, treatment, and support offered. By compiling these stories, we will be adding a voice and raising awareness about early detection.
Amongst this group of women, research has shown that this group is less likely to discuss breast cancer. As a vocal and knowledgeable Afro-Caribbean woman, my story illustrates that though a diagnosis of breast cancer is deadly serious, the condition can be treatable. "When our people hear cancer we often don't understand that it's not a death sentence," "our fear and denial are fed by a kind of benign neglect in the media"
Coverage of black women and breast cancer has increased in recent years, but newspapers and magazines still tend to focus on and reflect the slightly higher breast-cancer incidence rates of white women.
In summarizing the most accurate, reliable information available, we provide general overviews of the breast cancer experience, from diagnosis and treatment, as well as survivorship issues. In every section we refer you to other organisations, books and websites so you can find more detailed information.
Betterdays Cancer Care Fighting for our Future
While giving voice to those who need to be heard, Betterdays helps young African Caribbean women understand and cope with the unique and difficult issues they face. Young African Caribbean women experience frustration because of the prevailing attitude that young women don’t get breast Cancer. The gaps in research are outlined, and this proves that raising awareness about young African Caribbean women with breast cancer is both positive and necessary.
Ignorance does not protect young women from breast cancer. It only justifies waiting longer to see a doctor or accepting being told you’re too young for the disease. Doing either can cost young African Caribbean women their lives. For the first time, the wisdom and experience of young African Caribbean women provide comfort and hope to other young women, to their families, and to health care professionals, letting them know what it means to live with and survive breast cancer.
These are powerful voices, powerful testimonials. Not just for women themselves, but of their families, caregivers, partners and friends. This site gives voice to all those touched by breast cancer. Like the spirit of young African Caribbean women you will meet here, this site is an outgrowth of women, Doctors and patients, families and children supporting one another. We can fight for our future. And we can win.