In March 2016, Staten Island resident Deanna Jean faced an unexpected and life-altering challenge when she discovered a lump in her breast while pregnant. At 34 years old and midway through her third pregnancy, Jean had no family history of cancer but sensed that something was wrong. After persistent efforts, she was diagnosed with Stage 2B invasive ductal carcinoma, a particularly aggressive form of breast cancer.
Jean’s journey began when she approached her obstetrician, who had delivered her first two children. “I found my own lump and brought it to my OB,” she recalled. “I had to go back six times before he agreed to have me imaged. Once I was finally diagnosed, he was mortified.” Recognizing the gravity of her condition, her doctor recommended that she seek specialized treatment at the Monter Cancer Center in Lakeville, now known as the Zuckerberg Cancer Center. This was essential, as the odds of a pregnant woman being diagnosed with breast cancer at that time were just 0.03%.
Lessons in Self-Advocacy
Jean’s experience highlights the importance of self-advocacy, particularly for women of color who often face barriers in medical settings. “Trust your gut,” she advises. “You know your body better than anyone. Don’t be afraid to speak up for yourself.” She emphasizes the importance of accountability in healthcare, recounting how her request for her doctor to document his refusal to image her led to a change in his approach. This shift ultimately facilitated her diagnosis and treatment.
Jean’s story has garnered national attention, being featured in segments by ABC News, Essence, and The Pink Fund. Her advocacy work aims to empower others, especially women of color, to trust their instincts and advocate for better healthcare.
Originally from Brooklyn, Jean has lived in Staten Island for nearly two decades. She moved there in 2006 when looking for affordable housing options. “We’ve been here ever since,” she noted. Alongside her personal challenges, she has built a successful career in business and leadership development. After two decades in tech sales, she launched her own company in 2019, working from her Staten Island home.
Life After Cancer
Today, Jean is in remission, celebrating nearly ten years of health since her diagnosis. “Thank God,” she said, radiating gratitude. Conversations around health, particularly breast cancer within the Black community, have historically been muted. However, more women are now openly discussing their experiences, shedding light on both the physical and emotional realities of diagnosis and recovery.
Statistics indicate that Black women face disproportionately high rates of breast cancer. Recent studies reveal that nearly 40% of Black breast cancer survivors experience significant anxiety, while about one in five report depressive symptoms post-diagnosis. Jean’s personal experience resonates deeply with these statistics. “My first thought was fear, because I didn’t want to leave my two boys and husband so prematurely,” she shared with Essence.
Her three children—now aged 16, 14, and 9—have witnessed their mother’s resilience. “When I was diagnosed, my sons were four and five, and I was pregnant with my daughter,” she recalled. “Now my oldest is a sophomore at Susan Wagner High School.”
Jean’s journey underscores the significance of listening to one’s body and advocating for oneself in medical situations. “I was fortunate to have connections who helped me reach medical directors at top cancer centers within 24 hours,” she explained. “But even Sloan Kettering told me they couldn’t treat me because they didn’t have a maternal-fetal specialist at the time.”
With determined efforts, she found appropriate care on Long Island, reinforcing the importance of self-advocacy. Jean continues to champion health equity and empower others by sharing her story at various events and mentoring those navigating their own health challenges. “I’m just glad to share my story—it’s so important, especially here on Staten Island,” she stated.
Through her experiences, Deanna Jean illustrates how courage and perseverance can lead to profound change—not just for oneself, but for others as well. Her advocacy serves as a vital reminder of the power of self-advocacy in the face of adversity.
