Take care. Be well.
October
Breast Cancer Awareness: Let's Talk About The Bronx
October brings a lot of pink ribbons, walks and conversations about breast cancer. But for us at CBTSI, awareness also means knowing what's happening right here in our own community.
Did You Know? 🩷
20.2
Black women
16.7
White
women
12.2
Hispanic
women
Deaths per 100,000 women. Source: New York State Department of Health, Bronx County Health Indicators by Race and Ethnicity
The most recent available New York State data show that from 2020-2022, Black women in the Bronx had a breast cancer death rate of 20.2 per 100,000 women.
So what are these numbers telling us?
Black women aren't necessarily diagnosed with breast cancer more often than every other group. In fact White women are diagnosed with breast cancer at higher rates than Black women. However, Black women are more likely to die from breast cancer.
The concern is what happens after a diagnosis. Black women continue to have a higher breast cancer death rate. There are many reasons that may contribute, including:
-
the type of breast cancer diagnosed
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how early it's found
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access to timely treatment
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quality of care
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other barriers that can make it harder to get or continue care
But Did You Know This? 🩷
Not all breast cancers are the same.
Black women are more likely to develop triple-negative breast cancer.
Black women are about as likely as White women to be diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC).
The name sounds complicated, but here's the basic ideai: doctors test breast cancer cells for three specific markers. With triple negative-breast cancer, three of those tests come back negative.
TNBC also tends to grow faster and is more likely to spread or come back than many other types of breast cancer
Why Are We Talking About This?
Because this is one piece of the breast cancer story that especially matters in the Black community.
It helps us understand why simple saying "Black women need to get mammograms" doesn't tell the whole story.
Screening matters too. Early detection matters. But what happens after something is found?
Getting the right diagnosis, understanding what type of breast cancer you have, receiving appropriate treatment and having access to quality care are all part of the conversation.
And here's something else worth knowing: the latest American Cancer Society statistics report that Black women are 38% more ikely to die from breast cancer than White women, even though they are about 5% less likely to be diagnosed with it.
Okay, So What Can We Do?
We can't control every risk factor for breast cancer, but there are things we can do.
Know Your Body
If something looks or feels different, don't ignore it. A new lump, swelling, changes in the breast or nipple, nipple discharge, changes in the skin or something that simply doesn't feel right deserves a conversation with your healthcare provider.
Know Your Family History
Breast cancer in your mother, sister or daughter is important, but don't forget your father's side of the family. Your family history comes from both sides.
Know When It's Time To Get Screened
If you're due for a mammogram, make the appointment. And if you have a family history or other factors that may put you at higher risk, talk with your provider about whether you should begin screening earlier or need additional screening.
So why are we seeing these differences?
There isn't one simple answer. Breast cancer isnt the same for everyone. The type of cancer a person develops can matter, but so can what happens before and after a diagnosis–getting screened, receiving timely follow -up after an abnormal result, getting appointments, starting and completing treatment, having insurance, transportation, financial support and being abe to understand and navigate the healthcare system.
That's why breast cancer awareness can't stop at "Get a mammogram"
Getting screened matters. But so does what happens next. If you're told something doesn't look right, don't be afraid to ask questions. What happens next? When should I be seen again?
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Who do i call if I can't get an appointment?
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Is there a patient navigator or social worker who can help me?
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If I've been diagnosed with breast cancer, are there clinical trials that may be appropriate for me?
There is nothing wrong with saying "I don't understand. Can you explain that to me another way?"
And Let's Not Forget Men
Men can get breast cancer too.
Because male breast cancer is much less common, we don't have the same reliable Bronx race-specific numbers that we have for women. But that doesn't mean men should be left out of the conversation. New York State reports that approximately 160 men are diagnosed with breast cancer each year statewide.
A new lump or swelling in the breast or chest area, changes to the nipple, nipple discharge or any other unusual change should be discussed with a healthcare provider's attention.
Breast cancer awareness belongs to all of us.
Source: New York State Department of Health, Bronx County Health indicators by Race and Ethnicity, breast cancer data 2020-2022, New York State Cancer Registry.
Where Can I Get a Mammogram in the Bronx?
Knowing the numbers is important, but knowing where to go is just as important. If you're due for a mammogram, have concerns about your breast health, or aren't sure where to start, there are resources right here in the Bronx.
NYC Health+Hospitals recommends that people ages 40-74 get screened at least every two years, while also talking with their healthcare provider about their personal risk and how often they should be screened.
Here are a few Bronx options:
NYC Heath+Hospitals
Bronx locations include Jacobi, Lincoln, North Central Bronx, and Gotham Health sites. You can call 1-844-NY-4NYC (1-844-692-4692) to ask about breast cancer screening and mammograms. Don't have health insurance? NYC Heath+ Hospitals can help you explore your screening options.
NYC Health+Hospitals Breast Cancer Health Information
Montefiore Breast Imaging Center
Montefiore offers breast imaging at 1500 Blondell Avenue and other Bronx locations, including Greene Medical Arts Pavilion, Riverdale, and Wakefield. For radiology scheduling, call, 866-662-9729 (866-MMC-XRAY).
The Bronx is Walking for Breast Cancer🩷
Every October, thousands of New Yorkers come together to support people affected by breast cancer–and the Bronx has its own walk right here at Orchard Beach.
The American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer The Bronx returns on Sunday, October 25, 2026.
Orchard Beach
1 Orchard Beach Road,
Bronx, New York
Sunday, October 25, 2026
Rolling start 8:00 AM-10:30 AM
Making Strides is more than a walk. It's an opportunity to
celebrate survivors, remember those we've lost, support people currently facing breast cancer, and help raise funds for research and support services
Want to be a part of it? You can walk, create or join a team, volunteer, raise funds or simply make a donation.
To Register:
2026 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Breast Cancer–Bronx/Orchard Beach
And CBTSI is Showing Up Too 🩷
Each year Community Bridges To Success Incorporated (CBTSI) collects new hats and scarves to support Black women and men experiencing hair loss during cancer treatment
Hair loss can be one of the most visible and emotional parts of someones cancer journey. Through our annual Hats & Scarves Giveaway we hope to offer a little comfort, warmth and caring during a difficult time. It's also an opportunity together, raise awareness, and share information, about breast health and early detection.
Give a Little Help a Lot 🩷
What began with CBTI's Hat's & Scarves Giveaway, in partnership with Montefiore Einstein's Bronx Oncology Living Daily (BOLD) program, helped grow into something even bigger—the BOLD Boutique
The Bold Boutique provides free new and gently used clothing and accessories to people affected by cancer, including hats, scarves, coat and other items that can bring a little comfort and confidence during treatment and beyond.
Have something to give? Stop by:
📍BOLD Boutique
Bold Wellness Center
1575 Blondell Avenue,
Suite 225
Bronx New York
🕚Tuesdays, 11 AM-4PM
(except holidays)
☎️718-430-2380-calling ahead is recommended before bringing donations.
And when you stop by, let them know you heard about the BOLD Boutique through CBTSI.🩷
We're asking our friends, neighbors and community partners to help us collect new hats a scarves for this years giveaway.
Donate one. Donate a few. Get you workplace involved or a community organization involved.
Domestic Violence Awareness Month💜
When we hear the words domestic violence, most of us probably think about someone being physically hurt. But domestic violence doesn't always start there, and sometimes the signs aren't that easy to recognize
It affects families, children, workplaces, schools, and entire communities—and here in the Bronx, the numbers deserve our attention.
It can be someone controlling the money, constantly checking a partner's phone, questioning where they've been or who they've been talking to. It can be keeping someone away from family and friends, making threats, calling them names, controlling what they wear or making them feel like they have to watch everything they say or do.
And yes, it can become physical.
At CBTSI, when we talk about health and wellness, feeling safe at home and in our relationships is part of that conversation.
So let's look at what's happening in the Bronx.
Did You Know?💜
Domestic violence is affecting families here in our
neighborhoods.
611
NYC deaths
2015-2024
173
Bronx deaths
2015-2024
These aren't just citywide statistics. They reflect what is happening in our neighborhoods, affecting families, childrens, friends, and entire communities.
Source: NYC Mayor's Office to End Domestic and Gender-Based Violence, 2025 Domestic Violence Fatlity Review Committee Annual Report pages 1,2,and 5.Black women accounted for 25.7% of NYC's domestic violence homicide victims between 2014 and 2023.
Behind the numbers: These Are our Neighbors 💜
Sometimes we read statistics about domestic violence without stopping to think about the people behind those numbers.
But recently, two young mothers lost their lives in cases that have shaken families and communities connected to the Bronx.
Nathaly Ramirez, 23
On October 6, Nathaly was killed after she and her 8 month old daughter were allegedly pushed from a Bronx apartment balcony. Her daughter survived.
Lovay Williams , 27
Just a month earlier Lovay was killed in her Washington Heights apartment. Her 7-year-old daughter was home when police arrived. Lovay's family and community came together to mourn her loss.
As a community we are stunned and pray for the children and families of the victims.
These are the stories that remind us why conversations about domestic violence matter. We need to recognize warning signs, support people experiencing abuse, and knowing where to turn for help can make a difference.
And that brings us to an important question:
Would you recognize the warning signs of an unhealthy or abusive relationship?
Sometimes, what starts out looking like love, concern, or jealousy can turn into controlling or abusive behavior.
Some warning signs of an unhealthy or abusive relationship include:
a paragraph.
Remember: Abuse doesn't always leave visible bruises. And you don't have to experience every warning sign for a relationship to be abusive.
You're Not Alone. Help is Available.💜
Sometimes the hardest part is knowing where to turn. Whether you're experiencing abuse yourself, worried about someone you love, or simply need someone to talk to, there are people right here in the Bronx who can help.
Bronx Family Justice Center
198 East 161st street
Bronx, New York 10451
Phone: 718-508-1220
Monday-Friday, 9AM-5PM
Free confidential assistance with safety planning, counseling, legal services, housing concerns, and other support. No appointment is needed to get started
NYC's 24-Hour HOPE Hotline
1-800-621-HOPE (4673)
Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Trained advocates can help with safety planning, emergency housing referrals, and housing support.
In immediate danger?
Call or text 911.
Remember, asking for help is not a sign of weakness. You deserve to feel safe, respected, and supported.
From Our Kitchen to Yours
Lemon Garlic Branzino with Spinach and Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients
For the fish
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2 branzino fillets
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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Juice of 1/2 lemon
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1/2 teaspoon paprika
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Black pepper to taste and a pinch of salt
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Fresh parsley, optional
For the spinach
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1 bag fresh spinach (about 5 ounces)
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1 clove garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon olive oil
For the mashed potatoes
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2 medium potatoes
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2 tablespoons milk
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1 teaspoons butter
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Black pepper to taste
Let's get cooking!
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Make the mashed potatoes. Peel and cube the potatoes. Boil for 15-20 minutes until tender. Drain and mash with milk, butter, and pepper.
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Prepare the branzino. Pat the fillets dry and season with paprika, salt, and pepper.
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Cook the fish. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Place the fillets skin side down and cook for about 4-5 minutes. Flip and cook another 2-3 minutes until the fish reaches 145°F or is opaque and flakes easily.
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Add the flavor. Briefly warm the garlic in the pan without burning it, then add lemon juice and spoon the mixture over the fish.
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Saute the spinach. In a separate pan, heat olive oil and garlic. Add spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted.
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Plate and enjoy! Serve the branzino alongside the spinach and mashed potatoes. Finish with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon.
Healthy Eating Starts with Fresh Ingredients 🥬
Did you know that fresh spinach, potatoes, garlic and other seasonal vegetables may be available at your neighborhood farmers market?
NYC's Health Bucks program helps New Yorkers using SNAP stretch their food dollars when shopping for fresh fruits and vegetables at participating farmers markets.
For every $2 spent with SNAP, shoppers receive $2 in Health Bucks, up to $10 a day.
Learn more at NYC Health Bucks.
A Personal Note from CBTSI 🩷
Now, more than ever, we need one another.
Whether it's family, friends, neighbors, or the community we've built around us, staying connected matters.
There's a lot happening aroundus, and for many families, these are uncertain times. Changes to health insurance coverage, rising rents, and changes to SNAP benefits are raising real questions and concerns. How will these changes affect us. Will we still have access to the healthcare , food, housing and resources we depend on?
These are conversations we need to be having. Nowis the time to stay informed, ask questions, and find out these changes may affect you and your loved ones. Don't wait until you're facedwith a probelm to learn what assistance and resources may be available.
And as we head into flu season, let's not forget about our health. Stay up to date with recommended vaccinations, keep up with medical appointments and screenings and check on older family members, friends and neighbors who may need a little extra support.
But staying connected is about more than sharing information. It's about looking out for one another.
Call that friend you haven't spoken to in a while. Check on a neighbor. Spend time with family. Share a resource that might help someone. And remember, sometimes the person who seems to have everything together may need someone to check on them, too.
At Community Bridges to Success Incorporated, we believe that strong communities are built when people care, share information and support one another. We may not have all the answers, but we can make sure we're not facing life's challenges alone.
Take care of yourself. Take care of one another. Be well🩷
person getting a flu shot.
