Episode Details

On today's episode, award-winning journalist and former CNN correspondent Athena Jones opens up about her journey as a two-time breast cancer survivor. 

Athena shares how early detection, resilience, and advocacy shaped her fight for breast cancer. She discusses the disparities affecting Black women, the urgent need for research and policy change, and her forthcoming documentary, Sisters Keepers, which exposes the racial inequities in breast cancer care. She also highlights some of the survival and systemic barriers, as well as the hope that technology and community can bring. 

Here’s the real deal: we don’t just need awareness — we need action. Tune in! 

✨ Learn more: sistersnetworkinc.org 

KEY POINTS: 

- [00:00] Introduction

- [2:59] Athena’s first diagnosis at age 36

- [5:01] On choosing double mastectomy & reconstruction treatment

- [6:47] Diagnosed again at 39: Chemo, radiation, and another fight for survival.

- [7:50] Athena continues being a White House reporter (while undergoing chemotherapy).

- [11:22] How therapy and a support system helped Athena

- [12:51] Launching Sisters Keepers documentary

- [17:44] Breast cancer risk models rely on white populations, excluding women of color.

- [22:13] The gap and crisis in Black Women’s Health

- [32:53] Hope in AI Technology: New tool “Mirai”

- [39:58] Embracing the journey as a journalist to advocate

QUOTES: 

“I did a double mastectomy. I was 36 years old… I had no family history I was aware of. This is why it wasn't on my radar.” – Athena Jones

“My breast cancer wasn't hereditary. It was something else. But no one can give me a straight answer as to what caused it, which is so true in so many cases.” – Athena Jones

“I chose to keep working. I'm a journalist. I had a kind of high-powered job, and I was obsessed with continuing to advance in my career, and I didn't want to pause for this pesky but deadly, potentially health problem.” –  Athena Jones

RESOURCES: 

Athena Jones

IG - @iamathenajones

Website - sistersnetworkinc.org

IG -  @sistersnetwork

YouTube Channel - @sistersnetworkinc.8895/featured