The ShareForCures Alliance
Breast cancer research is evolving every day, driven by the power of real-world data and the individuals who choose to share theirs. Susan G. Komen’s ShareForCures is a revolutionary research registry connecting scientists with information from people who have or had breast cancer. Because every diagnosis is unique and personal, this data can help uncover patterns that improve treatments and speed up discoveries.
But breakthroughs are only possible when research reflects the full spectrum of the people affected. ShareForCures aims to encompass diversity in medical history, race, ethnicity, gender identity, geography and age at diagnosis. Too often, scientific research has overlooked the unique needs of communities of color. That’s where the ShareForCures Alliance comes in — a collaboration of organizations that ensures more voices are heard, more data is represented and more lives are improved.
TOUCH: How It Started
TOUCH, The Black Breast Cancer Alliance, is one of the organizations in the ShareForCures Alliance working to advance equity in research and care. Founded in January 2022 and based in Maryland, TOUCH drives collaboration among patients, survivors, advocates, advocacy organizations, health care professionals, researchers and pharmaceutical companies. The goal is clear: eradicate Black breast cancer through collective action and accountability.
TOUCH was founded by Wanda Hall McCullough with co-founders Valarie Worthy and Ricki Fairley. After being diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer, McCullough launched Touch Therapy: Touching Others Undergoing Cancer Healing, to support others navigating the disease. Following her passing in 2009, Valarie Worthy, Wanda’s board chair, kept the foundation in good standing for a continued pursuit of Wanda’s vision. In 2020 Worthy, a 26 year breast cancer survivor and 44 year nurse, and Fairley who serves as CEO of TOUCH and is a triple-negative breast cancer survivor and thriver established TOUCH, The Black Breast Cancer Alliance. Fairley worked with Worthy, to guide the organization’s mission to advance science towards eradicating Black breast cancer.
Why Representation in Research Matters
Black women are more likely to be diagnosed with aggressive subtypes such as triple-negative breast cancer and are more likely to die from the disease than white women. Yet clinical research has historically failed to adequately represent Black patients. Without inclusive data, inequities persist.
By participating in ShareForCures, members of the Black community can help ensure that future research reflects their lived experiences. Representation in research is not symbolic; it directly impacts how breast cancer is diagnosed, treated and understood.
TOUCH joined the ShareForCures Alliance to help drive accountability in research participation and to advocate for systemic change. When Black patients share their data, they are shaping the future of care for themselves and the next generation.
Rewriting Outcomes Through Action
Through collaboration within the ShareForCures Alliance, TOUCH is helping close longstanding gaps in research and representation. A more diverse registry leads to more relevant discoveries and better outcomes for everyone.
Eradicating Black breast cancer requires partnership, data and community leadership. By joining ShareForCures, individuals can play an active role in transforming research and advancing equity in science.
