Beyond the Gates is doing important work in raising awareness about breast cancer through a storyline that will resonate with many viewers, and that work is extending beyond the screen. The CBS daytime drama has partnered with the Know Your Lemons Foundation for a campaign geared toward bridging the mortality gap between Black and white women with this disease, as well as educating viewers about the BRCA gene.
The campaign is centered on Anita’s storyline and its impact on the Dupree family. It will also include public service announcements designed to provide viewers with information and resources, like the Know Your Lemons app, that are invaluable for becoming knowledgeable about their breast health and supporting early detection of breast cancer.
Key Takeaways
- What BTG fans can expect from Anita’s chemotherapy journey.
- The first of two PSAs that will run during this campaign.
- What to know about the Know Your Lemons app.
BTG Raises Breast Cancer Awareness
Anita’s (Tamara Tunie) breast cancer storyline began with her diagnosis of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). BTG viewers are going to be with her every step of the way as she goes through chemotherapy, and her daughters and grandchildren get the BRCA gene test.
TNBC is an aggressive form of invasive breast cancer, and it differs from other types of this invasive disease due to its faster growth and spread. This means there are few treatment options, and the prognosis for the patient can be worse.
The soap is not going to shy away from the reality of Anita’s journey, which will include how chemotherapy affects her physically and mentally. She’ll be dealing with hair loss and the toll the treatment will have on her body.
The form of cancer that Anita has is most common in Black women, but lack of awareness and access to resources has played a part in the mortality gap between Black and white women with this disease. BTG, in partnership with Know Your Lemons, is looking to combat this issue through storytelling.
The soap opera will also spotlight the impact that the BRCA gene test results will have on the Duprees. Testing positive for the BRCA gene alters health expectations and heightens concern about developing cancer in the future. Preventive care becomes a part of the conversation in a way that can be both emotional and confronting.
In discussing the intent behind the campaign, executive producers Michele Val Jean and Tracey Thomson had the following to say:
Our goal is to tell a story that raises awareness about the prevalence of triple-negative breast cancer and the importance of regular screenings to aid in early detection. Beyond that, we want to encourage and empower women to take an active role in their own breast health. You are your own best advocate.
BTG’s Breast Cancer Awareness PSAs
During BTG’s breast cancer storyline, PSAs raising awareness about the disease will run. The first PSA aired on January 1 and featured soap stars Karla Mosley (Dani Dupree) and Daphnée Duplaix (Nicole Dupree). The actresses cite that 85% of people who are diagnosed with breast cancer don’t have a family history of the disease and that a lump may not be the only indicator that someone has it.
There are 12 signs that people should know, especially Black women who are more likely to develop breast cancer at a younger age. Mosley and Duplaix also direct viewers to the Know Your Lemons app, where they can develop a custom breast plan. A second PSA is scheduled to run as this months-long storyline about breast cancer airs on CBS.
Dr. Corrine Ellsworth Beaumont, CEO and founder of the Know Your Lemons Foundation, shared the following statement about BTG and the charity’s campaign:
So often we don’t learn about breast health until we have a breast problem. In partnership with Beyond the Gates, we can educate about the 12 symptoms of breast cancer and share an app that has saved many lives through early detection of breast cancer. Including us in the promotion of Anita’s diagnosis is a meaningful way to not only raise awareness among viewers but also encourage them to get screened, report a change and feel more confident about their health. We’re thrilled to be working alongside the show team to bring this education to everyone.
What Is The Know Your Lemons App?
The app is the nonprofit’s way of enhancing early breast cancer detection by creating and promoting innovative and inclusive educational methods for the public. The award-winning Know Your Lemons app has reached over 2 billion people worldwide, and it provides accessible and visual breast health knowledge to users.
It’s a life-saving resource and tool that’s customizable to meet the user’s needs. Below is a short list of the app’s features:
- Customize options for Black breast health
- Calculate a personalized risk score based on age and health history
- Build a custom screening plan tailored to country guidelines and risk factors
- Learn the 12 signs of breast cancer using easy, memorable visuals
- Follow self-exam audio guides to understand what feels normal and how to report a change
- Get reminders and earn badges to stay on top of screening and monthly self-exams
For more information and to download this resource, go to KnowYourLemons.org/app.
