Unite for HER and TOUCH, The Black Breast Cancer Alliance Present Pivotal Results for Black Breast Cancer Outcomes at 2025 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium
Two leading breast cancer advocacy organizations, Unite for HER and TOUCH, The Black Breast Cancer Alliance (TOUCHBBCA), unveiled new research highlighting urgent and ongoing health disparities affecting Black women with breast cancer. The findings, presented at the 2025 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium, centered on the study, “A New Comprehensive Integrative Care and Navigation Model for Enhancing Outcomes for Black Breast Cancer Patients: Evidence from the Care for HER Program.”
This research evaluated the impact of the Care for HER program, a nationwide initiative supported by AstraZeneca, Gilead, and Daiichi Sankyo. The program offers Black breast cancer patients free access to integrative care therapies and services as well as continuous, culturally responsive patient navigation. Uniquely, its 24/7 navigation network is staffed by Black nurses and social workers who are themselves breast cancer survivors—ensuring that participants receive guidance from individuals who understand both the clinical and cultural dimensions of their experience.
In collaboration with the Cancer Support Community, Unite for HER and TOUCHBBCA conducted a survey in spring 2025 among participants of the program. Of the 57 Black women with breast cancer who completed the survey, an overwhelming 93 percent reported using Care for HER resources. The data revealed significant improvements across physical, emotional, and financial aspects of patient well-being.
One of the program’s most noteworthy contributions was its impact on treatment side effects. According to survey results, 75 percent of women said that the available integrative therapies helped reduce unwanted side effects from their cancer treatment. Additionally, 83 percent reported that the program alleviated at least one area of financial strain—an important finding given the known economic barriers that disproportionately impact Black patients during cancer treatment.
Emotional well-being also showed substantial gains. The study reported that 85 percent of participants experienced a reduction in distress after enrolling in Care for HER. Notably, the number of women reporting high distress dropped dramatically from 39 percent to zero. Meanwhile, those reporting no distress increased from 5 percent to 21 percent—clear evidence that the program plays a crucial role in improving mental and emotional health during treatment.
Participants also noted that access to supportive services helped them engage more confidently and knowledgeably in their care. Survey findings demonstrated the following improvements as a direct result of program participation:
- 95% were motivated to make healthier food choices
- 93% gained a better understanding of the benefits of physical activity
- 89% developed a clearer understanding of available resources and services
- 88% felt better prepared to follow their treatment plan
- 84% felt empowered to advocate for themselves
- 69% reported an improved understanding of their diagnosis and treatment options
Overall satisfaction with the program was exceptionally high, with 98 percent of respondents stating they were satisfied or very satisfied with the integrative therapies and navigation support provided.
The Care for HER initiative has demonstrated that culturally responsive, integrative care can significantly improve the cancer care experience for Black women—an underserved population that has historically faced some of the highest disparities in breast cancer incidence, treatment access, and outcomes. The program’s success reinforces long-standing evidence that patient navigation, when combined with integrative therapies, can enhance quality of life, reduce treatment burdens, and offer patients the support they may not otherwise receive within traditional healthcare systems.
Care for HER is a powerful example of what’s possible when organizations come together with a shared commitment for meaningful change,” said Sue Weldon, CEO of Unite for HER. “Our partnership with TOUCHBBCA allows us to blend integrative therapies and nurse navigation in a way that makes a direct impact. Being invited to share this work at SABCS, supported by our pharma partners, shows that the broader oncology community recognizes the importance of these services.”
Ricki Fairley, CEO of TOUCHBBCA, emphasized the urgency of expanding research centered specifically on Black women. “We’re ecstatic that we can directly address a considerable need for Black breast cancer patients—providing services they would not otherwise have,” she said. “Equally important is the ability to generate more data on Black Breast Cancer. The more we are included in research, the closer we get to closing the longstanding disparities that affect Black women.”
The Care for HER program continues to provide essential practical, emotional, and educational support for Black women navigating a breast cancer diagnosis. Its growing body of evidence underscores the transformative potential of culturally informed integrative care in improving health behaviors, reducing side effects, increasing understanding of treatment, and alleviating emotional distress. As these services expand, they may offer a model for addressing broader disparities across the oncology spectrum.
