The Mission: Breast Cancer Prevention
The Golden Hoop Project launched it’s first mission-based cause in 2022 to create awareness about breast cancer risk and to empower young Black women under 50 to take control of their health by learning their family history and pursuing genetic testing as a preventative measure. The Golden Hoop Project partnered with JScreen, a national, non-profit genetic testing and counseling program, based out of Emory University, to raise over $10,000 to provide access to testing to targeted communities of color.
Run the numbers.
In the United States, Black women are 41% more likely to die from breast cancer and those under 50 die at two times the rate of white women. Black women are diagnosed at a younger age and those under 35 are dying at three times the rate of white women. Those with a BRCA gene mutation have up to a 70% chance of getting breast cancer and Black women are less likely to pursue genetic testing even though they face the same hereditary risk of breast cancer mutations.
It’s personal.
My fierce, talented and golden hoop wearing mother, Dr. Irma J. Bland, was my hero. She was diagnosed with breast cancer twice - first at 38, then again at 50. My mom eventually lost her hard fought battle in 2003 when she was 55 years old. Given my family history, I pursued genetic testing in 2021. After learning I was a BRCA2 carrier, I assessed my options and elected to undergo a preventative double mastectomy to dramatically reduce my breast cancer risk.
Take action to learn about your genetic risk or support
The Golden Hoop Project: Breast Cancer Prevention
If you are a Black woman under the age of 50 and finances are a barrier to testing, you can request a FREE CancerGEN test below by emailing The Golden Hoop Project for a special code. Otherwise, visit JScreen to request a kit. CancerGEN tests for BRCA and 60 other genes related to more than 40 types of cancer. Learn more about cancer genetic testing.
Request a test
Take action and request a FREE CancerGen Test
Gift a test
Make a contribution towards a CancerGen Test
