You’re a Survivor, Now What Do I Do?

There is a plethora of information for breast cancer fighters, but not as much for survivors once we are healthy. I crafted this list as a starting point to keep us on the healthy track.

1. Prioritize Follow-Up Care

Attend all post-treatment checkups, screenings, and imaging appointments. Black women have higher recurrence rates—early detection remains critical even after treatment ends.

2. Know Your Body

Stay in tune with how your body feels. Report any new symptoms, changes, or concerns to your doctor immediately. You are your own best advocate.

3. Embrace Mental & Emotional Healing

Healing isn’t just physical. Consider counseling, therapy, journaling, or support groups tailored to Black women to process the emotional impact of survivorship.

4. Rebuild a Wellness Routine

Focus on nutrition, exercise, rest, and hydration. Survivorship is a long-term journey—your body deserves care that honors what it’s been through.

5. Celebrate Your Story

Own your journey through speaking, writing, mentoring, or private reflection. Your survival can empower and educate other women in your community.

6. Protect Your Peace

Limit stress, create boundaries, and surround yourself with people who uplift you. Breast cancer changes your perspective—guard your energy wisely.

7. Stay Connected to Community

Join survivor networks, especially those created for and by Black women. Shared experience fosters strength, understanding, and collective healing.

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I’m Cynthia

Welcome to Melanin & Pink Ribbons: A Blog for Black Women Fighting and Surviving Breast Cancer. It was born out of my personal journey as a patient not seeing very many images of women who looked like me fighting this disease. So, when I became a survivor, I did something about it. This is a space to learn and become empowered with information so we as a community can thrive into survivorship.

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