According to the National Cancer Institute, about 12.9% of women in the United States will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among black women.

Adriana Proctor said that when her aunt, Teresa  Proctor, was diagnosed with breast cancer, that statistic became more real. 

“It’s like a family trait. It runs in the family,” Proctor said. It’s one of those things you don’t think anymore. You just do. I do breast examinations regularly because of it.” 

Teresa Proctor learned she had cancer 38. She has had breast cancer for approximately 10 years, including her years in remission.

After winning her 10 year-long fight with breast cancer, Teresa said that she overcame the battle with the help of many doctors, but she was incredibly thankful for the female doctors and nurses. 

Adriana said how her aunt told her that she always felt like women had the best understanding of her health. Adriana agreed.

“Male doctors don’t really understand. Having a female doctor, they’re more aware,” said Adriana.

Proctor said that witnessing her aunt’s resilience in her fight with breast cancer inspires her to face every obstacle with courage. 

“She was always so resilient. She fought a silent fight. She often kept to herself, never really expressing how she felt other than saying that she knew that she was going to beat it,” said Proctor.