No matter the type, a cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming. For Black women, who have a higher likelihood of developing or are newly diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), the journey may be especially challenging. The incidence rate of TNBC in the United States is about 2x higher in non-Hispanic Black women compared to non-Hispanic white women, underscoring the importance of continued progress in care, support, and resources for women at increased risk.
We’re here to take a stand. We’re here to talk about those challenges and work toward greater awareness, together.
We're here to support you in Uncovering TNBC.
Uncovering TNBC is brought to you in partnership with
No one should have to navigate TNBC alone. There is real power in sharing your story, finding your community, and allowing yourself to be supported… especially in the moments when it’s hardest to ask for help.
Maimah Karmo – Tigerlily CEO, TNBC Survivor and Advocate
Uncovering TNBC: Learning together, supporting each other
Lyndsay Levingston reflects on her journey alongside Josette Gbemudu, associate vice president, patient health innovation at Merck, sharing why understanding risk, asking questions, and finding support matters.
Uncovering TNBC: Hometown Heroes
We're recognizing three exceptional women who have used their experiences to raise awareness, advocate for change, and address the barriers and challenges some Black women may face when living with TNBC.
Lyndsay
Houston, Texas
Recognizing the unique challenges faced by some Black women with cancer, Lyndsay decided to use her TNBC experience as a source of inspiration by creating a support system for other Black women on their cancer journeys.
Keisha
San Francisco, California
Before being diagnosed with TNBC, Keisha was on a fitness journey to live a healthier life. Following a shocking diagnosis, she struggled with a lack of information on how to move forward. Today, she is dedicated to sharing valuable resources and letting other Black women fighting TNBC know they are not alone.
Jazmine
Chicago, Illinois
During her journey with TNBC, Jazmine used her experience in health care to find the best possible care. Recognizing that others may not know how to do the same, she began sharing her personal story to empower other Black women to learn how to find information, ask questions, and seek support.
Empower yourself
with knowledge about TNBC
TNBC is an aggressive, less common type of breast cancer that is more common in people who are younger than age 40, Black, or have certain gene mutations. Learning more about TNBC can help you feel prepared and confident in the discussions with your care team – whether it’s about your risk or your diagnosis.
What is TNBC?
TNBC is an aggressive type of breast cancer where cells lack the three receptors that can be found in other types of breast cancer – estrogen receptors, progesterone receptors, and excess HER2 protein receptors.
That is what makes it “triple negative.”
Since TNBC lacks these receptors, the cancer tends to grow and divide more quickly than other types, leading it to spread faster.
Treatments that work for other types of breast cancer that have those receptors may not be an option for people with TNBC.
Types of breast cancer cells
Who does TNBC affect the most?
Among all people with breast cancer, about 10-15% have TNBC.
Non-Hispanic Black women are about 2 times more likely than non-Hispanic white women to be diagnosed with TNBC.
TNBC key terms to know
Learning about TNBC can feel like learning a new language. Here's a quick guide to some of the terms you may hear (click on a tile to see the meaning).
Chemical messengers that tell our bodies to do specific things.
A cell protein that binds to a specific hormone, causing changes within the cell.
A hormone that helps with the development of the female reproductive system and female characteristics, like breasts.
A protein that tells breast cells to grow. When cells have excess receptors for this protein, they are called
HER2-positive (HER2+).
A molecule that has a specific job and helps the body function properly.
A microscopic structure that contains all the ingredients necessary for life. Humans have more than 30 trillion cells.
A small part of the code that is passed on from your parents and contains information that decides a specific characteristic.
A change in genetic code that can lead to cancer or other health issues but can also be harmless. Mutations can be passed down from our parents.
A breast cancer diagnosis brings a lot of uncertainty. Having clear, trustworthy information makes all the difference to turn fear into understanding. We provide reliable information and practical tools, so people can better understand their options, ask the right questions, and feel more confident in taking part in decisions about their care.
Jean Sachs – Living Beyond Breast Cancer CEO
Are you ready to take action?
More needs to be done to improve care for women at risk for TNBC. These materials may help you talk with your care team, understand treatment options, and hopefully overcome some of the barriers you may face. These resources were created in partnership between Merck and breast cancer advocacy organizations.
Guide to managing TNBC risk
Understand the importance of early detection, knowing your family history, and sharing this information with loved ones.
Health team discussion guide
A few potential questions to ask your doctor to ensure you're getting the best care possible. Consider printing this out to take with you to your next visit.
Guide to the TNBC journey
Learn about the different types of treatment for TNBC. Empowering yourself with this knowledge will help you make decisions with your care team.
TNBC FAQs
Here are answers to frequently asked questions about TNBC and breast cancer.
Anyone can get TNBC. However, it is more common in people who are younger than age 40, Black, or have certain gene mutations.
TNBC may be harder to treat than other types of breast cancer, but there are treatment options out there. You and your care team will come up with a plan that makes sense for you based on factors including:
- The size of your tumor
- Whether or not your cancer has grown or gotten into surrounding tissues and/or outside your breast
- Your overall health history, and more
If you have been diagnosed with TNBC, talk with your doctor about your treatment options. Use this health care team discussion guide to help.
The word "stage" describes the size of the tumor in your breast and if it has spread or gotten into your lymph nodes and other parts of your body.
Lymph nodes are small structures throughout your body that filter harmful substances and help fight infection and disease as part of your immune system. They are located in many parts of the body, including the neck, armpit, and chest.
Your health care team may recommend different treatments depending on the stage of your cancer. Here are examples of what each stage may include.
Stage 1
- The earliest stage of invasive breast cancer, meaning the cancer has grown or gotten into nearby or surrounding breast tissue
- Tumor is 2 centimeters or smaller
Stage 2
- The tumor may have started to grow up to 2 to 5 centimeters
- Cancer may or may not start to appear in the nearby lymph nodes
Stage 3
- Cancer has usually invaded nearby tissues and has likely spread to lymph nodes
Stage 4
- This stage means the cancer has spread beyond the breast and nearby lymph nodes to other distant parts of the body
- Also referred to as "metastatic" cancer
Each patient’s experience with TNBC is unique, and the way it's treated should be, too. The type of treatment you get may depend on your breast cancer type and stage.
Remember your care team is there to help you — they should be a resource for guidance and support.
- Download this health care team discussion guide for ideas on what to talk about with your doctor
- You can also download this TNBC journey guide to learn more about treatment for breast cancer
Share what you learn about TNBC
Many people do not understand the different types of breast cancer. You can help us spread the word by sharing a message on your social media accounts.
Uncovering TNBC partners
Tigerlily Foundation Website
Tigerlily Foundation is a leading global organization — whose mission is to educate, advocate for, empower, and support young women — before, during, and after breast cancer. Their vision is to end disparities of age, stage, and color. Learn more at their website.
TNBC Foundation Website
The Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) Foundation’s mission is to provide credible information, encourage and fund lifesaving research, advocate for patients, and support the TNBC community.
Living Beyond
Breast Cancer Website
Living Beyond Breast Cancer is a nationwide nonprofit made up of a powerful community bonded by breast cancer. For over 30 years, they’ve offered emotional, practical, and evidence-based information and a community of support to those newly diagnosed, in treatment, post-treatment, or living with metastatic disease. No matter where you are, you belong there.
