Introduction to Karen Eubanks Jackson
Karen Eubanks Jackson (Photo Provided).
By Brandon Pope
Karen Eubanks Jackson never set out to make history. She set out to survive. But in surviving, she created something far greater: a movement that has redefined what breast cancer advocacy looks like for Black women in America.
Historical Moment for Black Breast Cancer Advocacy
This June, in a moment decades in the making, Jackson will stand before thousands of oncology professionals from around the world at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting in Chicago to accept the 2025 ASCO Patient Advocate Award. She will be the first Black woman ever to receive this honor.
Impact of Sisters Network Inc.
It’s a milestone that reflects not only Jackson’s courage as a four-time breast cancer survivor but also the transformative impact of the organization she founded—Sisters Network® Inc., the nation’s first and only national African-American breast cancer survivorship organization.
ASCO’s Annual Meeting
ASCO’s Annual Meeting is the largest gathering of its kind, drawing more than 40,000 medical professionals, researchers, and advocates from over 100 countries. Amid the clinical breakthroughs and scientific innovations, Jackson’s recognition marks a different kind of progress: one rooted in equity, community and the urgent need to address the long-standing disparities Black women face in breast cancer diagnosis, treatment and survival.
Founding of Sisters Network Inc.
When Jackson founded Sisters Network® Inc. in 1994, it was born from personal pain and a deep sense of purpose. After navigating her own breast cancer diagnosis, she realized how isolating and unequal the experience could be for Black women. Determined to change that, she launched a grassroots movement focused on culturally competent education, emotional support and direct outreach in communities too often overlooked by traditional healthcare systems.
Growth and Mission of Sisters Network Inc.
What began as a small support group has grown into a nationally respected force—leading awareness campaigns, advocating for policy change, and saving lives through early detection and access to care.
Exclusive Conversation with Karen Eubanks Jackson
As she prepares to receive ASCO’s highest honor for patient advocacy, Jackson is taking a moment to reflect. In an exclusive conversation, she shares what this recognition means to her, the challenges she’s overcome and her vision for a future where every Black woman diagnosed with breast cancer feels seen, supported and empowered.
Reflections on the Journey
Brandon Pope: Reflecting on your journey, what does receiving the 2025 ASCO Patient Advocate Award signify to you personally and professionally?
Karen Eubanks Jackson: As a full-time breast cancer survivor for over 30 years, this award is incredibly significant—not just for me, but for Sisters Network® Inc. as a national organization. It reflects our pioneering role in the Black breast cancer movement. To receive recognition at this level—and in a city like Chicago where the entire global oncology community gathers—validates our advocacy and solidifies both the past and present of who we are.
Challenges Faced by Sisters Network Inc.
Pope: Over the past 30 years, Sisters Network® Inc. has supported countless Black women facing breast cancer. What were some of the biggest challenges?
Jackson: The biggest hurdle was that we had to start from zero. Breast cancer wasn’t even a topic in our community. It was whispered. People avoided me, saying, “Here comes the breast cancer lady,” like it was something shameful. But I kept showing up—because I believed someone would hear the message.
We turned shame into strength. We made it okay to talk about it, to look good, to lead and to survive. That mindset shift was the game-changer.
Evolution of Breast Cancer Advocacy
Pope: How has the landscape of breast cancer advocacy evolved since you founded Sisters Network® Inc.?
Jackson: In the beginning, we had to rally the community. Now, there is a lot more support from and unity. Unfortunately, even after 30 years of advocacy, still not much has changed for African-American women.
Guidelines still recommend starting mammograms at 40—but our women are dying before 40. That’s not early detection. That’s a delay tactic that costs lives. Our mission remains: educate our women, push for 3D mammograms, and advocate for common-sense change.
Photo Provided
Pressing Disparities in Breast Cancer Care
Pope: What are the most pressing disparities in breast cancer care for Black women today?
Jackson: Funding and access. We’ve never received equitable funding compared to major national organizations that don’t focus on marginalized communities. Yet we’ve done the work with less—and done it well. If the medical community wants to help, they must ensure equitable funding so we can continue to provide resources like free mammograms and as well as increase our programming support to meet women where they are.
Reinforcing the Mission
Pope: Can you share a story that reinforced your mission?
Jackson: Every day, I hear from women—educated, insured and still confused by the system. This work isn’t just about the uninsured or the underserved. Even women with resources aren’t being empowered to use them. That’s why Sisters Network stands in the gap.
We make it clear: the system wasn’t built for us, so we must learn it, question it and advocate for ourselves.
Future Aspirations for Sisters Network Inc.
Pope: Looking ahead, what are your aspirations for Sisters Network® Inc.?
Jackson: We must change the age guidelines for mammograms to reflect the reality of Black women’s lives. We must also push harder for participation in clinical trials—because if we’re not included, they won’t know if the treatments will or won’t work for us. We need our community to understand that breast cancer does mean us. And by embracing early detection and clinical research, we can live longer, healthier lives.
What Her Recognition Means
Karen Eubanks Jackson’s historic recognition in Chicago at the ASCO Annual Meeting is more than an award—it’s a breakthrough for Black women everywhere fighting for equity in cancer care.
Her voice now echoes on a global stage, reminding us that advocacy, when rooted in community and purpose, can reshape the world.
To learn more or get involved, visit www.sistersnetworkinc.org.
Conclusion
Karen Eubanks Jackson’s story is a testament to the power of resilience, determination, and community. Her work with Sisters Network Inc. has paved the way for a new generation of Black women to take control of their health and demand equitable access to breast cancer care. As she accepts the 2025 ASCO Patient Advocate Award, we honor not only her achievements but also the countless lives she has touched and the countless more she will continue to inspire.
FAQs
Q: What is the significance of Karen Eubanks Jackson receiving the 2025 ASCO Patient Advocate Award?
A: Karen Eubanks Jackson is the first Black woman to receive this award, marking a historic moment for Black breast cancer advocacy.
Q: What is Sisters Network Inc., and what is its mission?
A: Sisters Network Inc. is a national organization founded by Karen Eubanks Jackson to provide culturally competent education, emotional support, and direct outreach to Black women affected by breast cancer.
Q: What are some of the pressing disparities in breast cancer care for Black women today?
A: Funding and access are significant disparities, with Black women often receiving less equitable funding and facing barriers to accessing care.
Q: How can I get involved with Sisters Network Inc.?
A: You can visit their website at www.sistersnetworkinc.org to learn more and get involved.
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