Merck And Emmy-Nominee Yvonne Orji Tie-Up For Uncovering TNBC Breast Cancer Information Drive

Merck (NYSE: MRK), known as MSD outside the United States and Canada, in collaboration with the breast cancer advocacy community and Emmy-nominated actress, Yvonne Orji, launched a new initiative, "Uncovering TNBC," to shed light on the unique challenges Black women face when diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC).

Photo Insert: Emmy-nominated actress, Yvonne Orji

Non-Hispanic Black women are approximately two times more likely to have TNBC than non-Hispanic white women and compared to white women, Black women are more likely to die of the disease. Join Yvonne as she speaks with Sharon, Tiah, and Damesha, three women diagnosed with TNBC, who share their stories of triumphs while also discussing the health disparities Black women can face. Through the web docuseries and educational materials, Uncovering TNBC aims to inform Black women and empower them to advocate for themselves with their health care team.

With a master’s degree in public health and a nurse for a mother, Yvonne has been passionate about closing the health care equity gap since before she became a TV star.

“I know firsthand how important it is for Black women to take charge of their health and advocate for themselves. Data shows women in our community have a higher chance of developing TNBC, but we can take steps to help protect ourselves and our families,” said Yvonne. “I hope these stories uplift women with TNBC and inspire them to get the care they need.”

The centerpiece of the Uncovering TNBC campaign is a three-episode web docuseries that highlights the challenges Black women with TNBC can face throughout their cancer journeys. Hosted by Yvonne, the docuseries spotlights three brave warriors and their experiences with TNBC: Damesha from North Carolina, Sharon from Virginia, and Tiah from Georgia.

The series aims to amplify the stories of Black women with TNBC and offers resources that will help others understand their risks and advocate for themselves. The initiative also includes a webpage of educational information for women who have a higher chance of developing or are newly diagnosed with TNBC and their loved ones.

“There is no shortage of breast cancer resources, yet so few are developed with the unique needs of Black women in mind,” said Maimah Karmo, founder and CEO, Tigerlily Foundation. “As a native of Liberia myself, I am proud to collaborate with Merck and Ms. Orji to support the tireless efforts to meet that need and further bridge the gap to care.”

“We’re honored to collaborate with advocacy organizations who have been at the forefront of fighting for health equity in the breast cancer community on this important campaign,” said Jill DeSimone, president, U.S. Oncology, Merck.

“For Black women with TNBC, optimal care is about more than just treating cancer: It’s about being understood and supported. Uncovering TNBC is an important program that is part of our broader efforts at Merck to help advance health equity for all people with cancer.”

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