Monisha Washington Turns Her Breast Cancer Diagnosis Into a Call for Early Detection
Editor Jasmine McBride profiles Monisha Washington, a longtime health care navigator who became a breast cancer advocate after her mother’s death in 2013 and was diagnosed herself at 39, less than six months after sharing her mother’s story on WCCO. Washington leads with the Breast Cancer GAPS Project, a community-led initiative working to close gaps in breast cancer outcomes for Black women. The group’s fourth annual Live, Laugh & Learn, planned for Oct. 10 at the University of Minnesota, was set to feature her story, free mobile mammograms and health screenings. Black women have a 38% higher breast cancer death rate than white women, according to the American Cancer Society.
For more than a decade, Monisha Washington has helped people navigate health care, access resources and advocate for their health. Then, at 39, she found herself on the other side.
Washington’s commitment to the work began while she cared for her mother during her battle with breast cancer. After her mother died in 2013, Washington became an advocate for breast cancer awareness and prevention. In 2024, she shared her mother’s story and her community advocacy on WCCO. Less than six months later, she was diagnosed with breast cancer herself.
“For years, I helped other people navigate health care and advocate for themselves. Now I have my own story to tell from the patient’s perspective, and it has changed how I see this work,” Washington said in a news release. “Early detection saves lives. That’s why I’m passionate about raising awareness in BIPOC communities.”
Her diagnosis deepened her understanding of health care disparities, including the financial and social challenges that can come with a diagnosis. It also shaped her leadership with the Breast Cancer GAPS Project, a community-led initiative working to close gaps in breast cancer outcomes for Black women by increasing awareness and screening, elevating community voices and connecting people with care.
The organization’s fourth annual Live, Laugh & Learn, planned for Oct. 10 at the University of Minnesota, was set to feature Washington’s story along with free mobile mammograms, health screenings, cancer prevention education and recognition of survivors and caregivers.
The need for that work is urgent. Although Black women have a 5% lower breast cancer incidence rate than white women, they have a 38% higher death rate, according to the American Cancer Society’s Breast Cancer Facts & Figures 2024-2025 report. Black women also have the lowest breast cancer survival rates at every stage and are more likely to be diagnosed younger and at later stages.
For Black women under 50, the rate of aggressive cancers such as triple-negative breast cancer is double that of white women, according to the release.
Washington’s own path is a reminder that breast cancer doesn’t wait for the recommended screening age. Women with a family history of breast cancer, like Washington, should talk with their doctor about when to start screening and how often.
Community members can support the Breast Cancer GAPS Project by donating, sponsoring future events or supporting its Young Thriving Network and survivor and caregiver programs.
How to take part
Learn more about the Breast Cancer GAPS Project, its programs and how to donate at breastcancergaps.org.
Jasmine McBride welcomes reader responses at jmcbride@spokesman-recorder.com.