Cynthia Wade addresses unspoken issues of breast cancer

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Breast cancer is the most common cancer worldwide, with more than two million new cases diagnosed in 2020.

However, not all breast cancers are the same.

Metastatic Breast Cancer (mBC), also known as Stage Four, cannot be cured, which means people endure treatments for the rest of their lives.

Oscar-Winning Director Cynthia Wade dedicated her career to directing documentaries on critical social issues and is a driving force in bringing mBC patients’ stories to life.

“I was moved to take on this project because it combines two of my great interests: giving voice to people with serious health diagnoses and creating something visual.”

Cynthia Wade

mBC patient Jessica was diagnosed with breast cancer in August 2019. Her story, among many other patients, inspired Cynthia.

“My life has never been the same.”

Jessica, mBC Unspoken.

Using patients’ stories like Jessica’s, Cynthia Wade created visual stage performances to address the unspoken issues women with breast cancer experience.

Jessica wanted to bring to light the unspoken issue of managing and navigating intimacy in the bedroom with your partner when you’re living with Stage 4 Cancer.

Despite being a difficult conversation about body image, Cynthia and Jessica were not shy to have an entire performance of a dancer in a bedroom.

Through Jessica’s honest and open conversation, Cynthia created a visual and compelling depiction of issues we avoid discussing.

Jessica’s and many other mBC patients’ diagnoses are stories and experiences that need to be told.

mBC Unspoken is a new digital platform developed for women, specifically with mBC.

On this website, women can find stories from real women brought to life through artistic performance.

These stories share complex, unspoken topics such as intimacy, mortality, self-identity, and self-advocacy.

“Intimacy, self-image, how I’m feeling about my body, or navigating the bedroom with my husband… this is why I’m here. I want to open up, talk about these things, and make people feel less alone.”

Jessica, mBC Unspoken.

Other themes of mBC Unspoken are motherhood and careers.

How do women navigate a lifelong diagnosis when they have small children? And how can women get comfortable and confident with where they are in their careers?

With mBC having an emotional toll, mBC Unspoken will also offer support resources specifically developed for patients, caregivers, and their support systems.

For more information on mBC Unspoken and the topics that come with metastatic breast cancer, visit mbcunspoken.com

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