Resources
Trusted help, all in one place.
Know your risk, know the signs, and know who to call. Here are the resources STAARS sisters trust, from free screening help to national helplines.
A woman reading on a tablet at a kitchen table, calm and focused, with tea.
Artlist prompt
A Black woman in her 40s reading on a tablet at a kitchen table with a cup of tea, focused and calm, natural window light, a notebook beside her. Warm documentary photography, natural window light, soft plum, blush and warm gold tones, shallow depth of field, authentic, dignified and hopeful mood. No text, no logos, no watermarks. Vertical portrait composition with the subject centered.
You should know
Black women can't wait.
Black women are about 40% more likely to die of breast cancer than White women, and are more often diagnosed with aggressive tumors at younger ages. Early detection saves lives.
Screening guidelines
U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (2024)
A mammogram every 2 years for women ages 40 to 74.
American Cancer Society
Yearly mammograms are an option at 40 to 44, recommended at 45 to 54, then every 1 to 2 years from 55.
American College of Radiology
Yearly mammograms from 40 for average risk, and a risk assessment by 25. Women at higher risk may start earlier.
These are for women at average risk. A strong family history, a gene change such as BRCA, or past chest radiation can mean starting earlier. Ask your doctor what is right for you. Sources: USPSTF, American Cancer Society, American College of Radiology.
Know the signs
Know your normal. Report changes.
- A new lump or mass in the breast or underarm
- Swelling of all or part of a breast
- Skin dimpling
- Breast or nipple pain
- Nipple turning inward
- Nipple or breast skin that is red, dry, flaking or thickened
- Nipple discharge other than breast milk
- Swollen lymph nodes under the arm or near the collarbone
Men can get breast cancer too. Know your family history of cancer, and if you notice any change, see your doctor right away. Source: American Cancer Society.
A mother and adult daughter talking at a kitchen table, an open laptop between them, sharing family history.
Artlist prompt
A Black mother in her 60s and her adult daughter talking seriously but warmly at a kitchen table, an open laptop and a notepad between them, natural light. Warm documentary photography, natural window light, soft plum, blush and warm gold tones, shallow depth of field, authentic, dignified and hopeful mood. No text, no logos, no watermarks. Wide horizontal composition.
Who to call
Help is a phone call away.
- (901) 319-9099
STAARS 24-hour survivor line
Talk with a breast cancer survivor, any time. Loved ones can call too.
- 877-969-6636
Tennessee Breast & Cervical Screening Program
Free or low-cost mammograms for eligible uninsured or underinsured Tennessee women.
- 1-877-465-6636
Susan G. Komen Breast Care Helpline
Information, emotional support and help finding resources. Se habla español.
- 1-800-227-2345
American Cancer Society
Answers about cancer, treatment and help with rides and lodging, 24/7.
- 1-800-532-5274
Patient Advocate Foundation
Free case management for insurance, medical debt and access to care.
- 988
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
If you are in emotional crisis, call or text, any time.
- [PHONE]
[LOCAL HOSPITAL OR CANCER CENTER]
[Description: for example, Baptist Cancer Center navigation services]
Numbers checked October 2026. Please call to confirm services and eligibility.
Read & learn
From the Voice to Our Victory series
How Two Memphis Survivors Broke the Silence
The story of Barbara Davis and Toni Clark, and how STAARS began.
Read the storyWhy Black Women Can’t Wait
What every woman should know about screening and risk.
Coming soonWhat STAARS Does When You Get the News
The free support waiting for every Memphis woman.
Find supportNeed to talk to someone right now?
A breast cancer survivor answers the STAARS line, day or night. No forms first. Loved ones can call too.