(BPT) - How whole-person support helped one woman navigate the physical and emotional realities of metastatic breast cancer

When Tia Newman was diagnosed with metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), a cancer that has spread to other parts of the body,¹ it was already deeply personal. The 55-year-old Washington, D.C., area native had lost her mother and sister to the same aggressive disease.

Losing family members to TNBC fundamentally changed how Tia experienced her own diagnosis and underscored the burden this disease places on Black women.² As she began navigating metastatic TNBC, she quickly learned that her care would involve much more than medical treatment.

Black women are diagnosed with TNBC at nearly three times the rate of white women³ and are 38% more likely to die from breast cancer than white women, highlighting ongoing differences in breast cancer care and survival.² As efforts continue to address these disparities, the goal is to ensure people have access to trusted guidance and practical support throughout their care journey, alongside advances in treatment.

For Tia, support came through Care for HER, a national initiative from Unite for HER and TOUCH, The Black Breast Cancer Alliance. Care for HER connects Black women with free resources including integrative therapies, health education and around-the-clock, culturally tailored nurse navigation.

Support for the Whole Person

Through Care for HER, Tia received support tailored to what she needed outside of the doctor's office, supplementing the caregiver support she received from her husband and children. The program's "Wellness Passport" fully funds and delivers services such as professional counseling, nutrition consultations, exercise classes and fresh grocery deliveries.

As Tia dealt with severe weight loss and fatigue during treatment, she worked with a dietitian and used meal kits tailored to her pescatarian diet, helping her regain strength.

"When you have cancer, support is bigger than just medical appointments," Tia shared. "Having an outside navigator and real people to talk to who guide you through the tears makes a massive difference."

That whole-person approach is at the heart of Care for HER.

"Our vision is that every Black individual diagnosed with breast cancer will feel supported and have access to comprehensive integrative oncology care that manages arduous side effects, supports treatment adherence and gives those we serve their lives back," said Sue Weldon, CEO and Founder of Unite for HER.

"Care for HER's nurse navigation program aims to directly address a considerable need among Black breast cancer patients, providing services and support that they might not be able to access otherwise," said Ricki Fairley, CEO of TOUCH, The Black Breast Cancer Alliance. "Together, we're ensuring these women receive the comprehensive care and guidance they deserve."

Care for HER's focus on helping people navigate needs beyond treatment aligns with Gilead Sciences' Community Cancer Collective (CCC), which supports the program alongside other sponsors.

"Gilead's CCC brings together community organizations, healthcare providers, advocates and local leaders to help reduce barriers to cancer care, with patient navigation as a core pillar of its work," said Darren Tayama, MD, Vice President, U.S. Medical Affairs, Oncology at Gilead. "Through Care for HER, we are proud to support a program that is delivering whole-person support, an often-overlooked but essential aspect of addressing persistent disparities for Black women facing breast cancer."

Removing Barriers to Care

During Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October, Tia is encouraging other women to pay attention to their bodies, ask questions and seek support from the beginning of their cancer experience.

That includes asking care teams about navigation programs and other resources that can help with the emotional, nutritional and practical challenges that may come with treatment.

"Don't let cancer absorb your mind," Tia advised. "Pushing through with the right support in your corner makes all the difference."

To learn more about free patient navigation, integrative therapies and holistic support through Care for HER, visit uniteforher.org/careforher. For additional information and resources from Gilead Sciences, Inc., for people living with metastatic breast cancer and those who support them, visit expose-mbc.com.