Clancy
December
Few things in my life have stopped me in my tracks, but being diagnosed with breast cancer did just that! A year after I finished breastfeeding my daughter, I went to my GP with concerns about lumps in my breast, only to be told I had ‘lumpy breasts’. I presented myself a year later, only to be told the same thing…with this in mind, I lived my life. But in 2016, on my sons 16th birthday, the ‘lumpy breasts’ turned into stage 3 and 4 cancer tumours. The wheels of cancer treatment sprung into action and 18 moths later I had undergone chemotherapy, radiotherapy, Herceptin, injections, infections, tablets and a left breast mastectomy.
BUT…
I have the privilege to still be here, watching the wonderful human beings that my children have become, appreciating family and friends that walked this journey and saw me through the other side and beyond.
However, sadly, this is not the case for so many women of African and African Caribbean heritage; so the choice to wear the flag of Dominica, the heritage of both my parents, was to pay respect to those whose courage and determination I stand.
Sharmaine
November
The Warrior Within – My Breast Cancer Journey
A Poem
19th August 2010
I remember it well.
I was 43 years, 2 months and 24 days.
Much too young to have breast cancer,
or so I thought.
Then my journey began.
Biopsy.
Lumpectomy.
Mastectomy.
Fear.
Denial.
Anger.
No escape.
I had to face my reality,
to walk my own green mile.
I stepped into the unknown,
not knowing what waited on the other side.
I returned changed,
leaving my breast behind,
but finding a strength inside me
I never knew I had.
Grieve.
Cry.
Ask why.
Fall down.
Shut down.
Then came the battle.
Chemotherapy.
Radiotherapy.
Hormone therapy.
Each treatment a challenge,
each day a test of my strength.
I looked around and said:
"Where is someone who looks like me?"
"Where is someone I can identify with?"
"Where is someone who understands my journey?"
I felt alone.
But slowly,
I began to find my voice.
I realised I was a warrior.
A warrior who fought through fear.
A warrior who faced every challenge.
A warrior who carries scars,
but also carries courage, strength and hope.
Now I accept.
Now I walk with confidence.
I am happy.
I am proud.
I am proud to be a Black woman.
Strong.
Resilient.
Beautiful.
I no longer hide.
I stand tall.
I stand proud.
I am proud to stand out in the crowd.
My story matters.
My voice matters.
My journey matters.
I am ready to talk.
I am ready to help.
I am ready to educate.
My scars tell my story.
My voice gives others hope.
Breast cancer changed my life,
but it did not define me.
It created a warrior within me.
This is the new.
"Styled by Devon Johnson, wearing his beautiful design."
Lisa
October
I was diagnosed with Stage 2, Grade 2 breast cancer in 2011 at the age of 42. My treatment journey included two surgeries, including a mastectomy to remove my right breast, followed by eight months of chemotherapy, fifteen rounds of radiotherapy and 14 years of endocrine therapy. Fifteen years later, I am living life to the fullest. In November 2025, I finally underwent reconstructive surgery, and I couldn't be happier with the results. My journey has been one of resilience, hope and learning to embrace life beyond breast cancer.
Inspired by the iconic Rolling Stone magazine cover featuring Janet Jackson, this photograph is a celebration of my confidence, strength and survival. My husband, Rannie, was the lucky man holding my newly reconstructed breasts. Including him in this shoot meant the world to me because he was my rock throughout my cancer journey and continues to be my greatest source of love, strength and unwavering support.
Tonia
September
I was diagnosed with breast cancer around Christmas time in 2024. I was 44 years old, and I had a lump in my left breast. In February 2025, I had surgery, a mastectomy, as they said the lump was larger than expected and I also had lymph nodes removed from my armpit. I had a small implant put in my left breast, and I am now awaiting another reconstructive surgery for a fat transfer to be inserted into the breast. I suffered emotionally with my appearance, managing pain, and my mental health. At a point in my journey, I had my faith and the prayers of my loved ones, and I was then introduced to the group involved in the Parts of Me project. I didn’t know anything or anyone, but I knew it was for our culture and for all black and brown women going through breast cancer. We all met and shared our stories, and it made me feel great again. I was laughing and enjoying myself so much; it really helped me with acceptance and seeing how women of colour are very strong, with our positive leaders and the rest of the group. I am so glad to be part of this project.
Denise
August
I was diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) in August 2023 at the age of 59. My treatment journey included a mastectomy and reconstruction in December 2023, followed by seven of the eight planned chemotherapy cycles between March and July 2024. My ongoing treatment now includes Zometa infusions every six months for three years and endocrine therapy for ten years. Being familiar with my mother's mastectomy scar — she was diagnosed with the same category of breast cancer at the age of 84 — and having witnessed her challenges with wearing a prosthesis, I felt overjoyed and deeply relieved by the outcome of my own reconstruction. It enabled me to return to work and resume my usual activities with confidence and a renewed sense of normality. My journey reflects the spirit of Maya Angelou's Still I Rise — a commitment to rising, reclaiming joy, and choosing hope. Today, I celebrate life daily with an attitude of gratitude. Wearing an individual Notting Hill Carnival costume designed for me by Fredo Os Palmer on behalf of UCOM, this photograph captures me in my element — living fully, enjoying the moment, and celebrating all that I have overcome.
Vanessa
July
Three weeks after losing my Mum, while grief still stole my breath, cancer found me too. The life I knew changed in an instant, yet I kept choosing hope. As I held my Dad through the loss of his soulmate, I searched for purpose and found it in helping other women remember they are still whole, still worthy, still powerful. Then, just before this shoot, I lost my Dad too. This is for them—and for you. Because even in the deepest sorrow, love and purpose help us find ourselves again.
I chose the theme for the photo shoot as I am at peace with my journey and feel free.
Verr
June
Diagnosed in 2021 after a year of being told “it's Mastitis”, which I'd accepted, was followed by a full mastectomy in 2022. This, whilst multitasking a house purchase, working away 6- 8 weeks each time and travelling whilst dealing with underlying health conditions. Breast Cancer..? A volcanic rock just exploded, covered me in lava… Couldn’t feel anything ...why? Because of numbness, whilst menopause also set it's temperature.. Triple-negative… what's that when it's at home?? Felt myself floating away like an astronaut...from the present space I was physically in....everything seemed a distance away, whilst hearing voices echoing within the room.... Brain fog, dumb founded...hearing diminishing.... I'd left my body for a while... trying to direct my soul back to ground zero....!! Brazenly, it decided to return in 2024, needing the removal of 8 lymph nodes… “incidental findings”..?? Living each day as it comes, even with uncertainty, mainly with laughter, loving myself and massive support from my children, friends and family around the globe through this journey...Truly blessed.
Bee
May
In 2016, I was diagnosed with breast cancer, stage 3, Her 2 positive in the right breast. My treatment consisted of Adjuvant chemotherapy x8, Cone biopsy, Auxiliary node clearance and lumpectomy with clear margins - thankfully. Radiotherapy x25, Herceptin x18 whilst returning to work, then Tamoxifen for 10 years. Unfortunately, in 2019, I had a second diagnosis of cancer in the same breast treated by mastectomy, opting for reconstruction in the same surgery. Current treatment Letrozole tablets.
My Faith, Family, Friends and a quiet determination to survive got me through. My sister bought me the book 'Undefeated' by Marsha Hunt, 2005, a black woman's journey of breast cancer (I wish I had the courage to replicate her famous nude pose for my calendar picture), also the song 'I am not my hair' by India Arie; both these gave me hope and inspiration.
Giving Eternal Thanks to God who sustained me during those traumatic times and for continuing to bless me with life and strength each day. I take heart in stressful times knowing that 'Joy comes in the morning.' Living my best life Unapologetically & Authentically Bee Photo: 'Bee' & 'Sunflowers'
Denise
April
I was diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) in August 2023 at the age of 59. My treatment journey included a mastectomy and reconstruction in December 2023, followed by seven of the eight planned chemotherapy cycles between March and July 2024. My ongoing treatment now includes Zometa infusions every six months for three years and endocrine therapy for ten years. Being familiar with my mother's mastectomy scar — she was diagnosed with the same category of breast cancer at the age of 84 — and having witnessed her challenges with wearing a prosthesis, I felt overjoyed and deeply relieved by the outcome of my own reconstruction. It enabled me to return to work and resume my usual activities with confidence and a renewed sense of normality. My journey reflects the spirit of Maya Angelou's Still I Rise — a commitment to rising, reclaiming joy, and choosing hope. Today, I celebrate life daily with an attitude of gratitude. Wearing an individual Notting Hill Carnival costume designed for me by Fredo Os Palmer on behalf of UCOM, this photograph captures me in my element — living fully, enjoying the moment, and celebrating all that I have overcome.
Antoinette
March
Cancer first entered my life on my 32nd birthday in 2016, when I was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. What should have been a day of celebration became the beginning of one of the toughest battles of my life. My treatment involved two surgeries and chemotherapy. After chemotherapy, I underwent radiotherapy and, with each annual check-up, hoped that chapter of my life was finally behind me. After years of being cancer-free, I was devastated to receive another diagnosis in April 2023. This time it was a different type of breast cancer. On 6 June 2023, I underwent a full mastectomy of my left breast. It was another life-changing moment, but one I faced with the same strength and determination that had carried me through my first battle. The Colour Mustard: In colour psychology, mustard yellow stands for creativity, warmth, optimism, and the acceptance of unique differences, complete with some Black Girl magic!
Viveen
February
Diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer in 2012... just came out of the shower… noticed the glisten on my left breast. Straight away I rang my GP. The next day I was fast-tracked...had biopsy... Results came back. Had lymph nodes removed... then had chemotherapy on and off for 2 years… then radiotherapy… this didn't work out… So had my left breast removed… then more chemotherapy… In 2015 I was in remission up until 2018, when I returned to work… Then it came back in the right breast… chemotherapy again. Remission 2021… then it spread over to my lungs… Where I am still on ongoing treatment every three weeks… my journey has taught me to be strong, positive, and to live the rest of my life with a positive attitude and… if I can, to help others…
Cynthia
January
January 2014, aged 54, I heard words no one wants to hear. “You have breast cancer”. Diagnosed with HER2 primary breast cancer, I was in denial, asking, “How did this happen?” and processing the diagnosis. Through tears, with the unconditional love and support of my family, friends, and loved ones, I gave myself a ‘talking to’. I knew I had to
accept the diagnosis to move forward, heal, recover and embrace my second chance at life.
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