Copyright Staten Island Advance
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — When Staten Islander Deanna Jean discovered a lump in her breast during her third pregnancy, she had no family history of cancer—just a quiet sense that something wasn’t right. It was March 2016. Jean, then 34 and midway through her pregnancy, was eventually diagnosed with Stage 2B invasive ductal carcinoma, an aggressive form of breast cancer. “I found my own lump and brought it to my OB here on Staten Island, who had delivered my first two kids,” Jean recalled. “I had to go back six times before he agreed to have me imaged. Once I was finally diagnosed, he was mortified.” Her obstetrician, realizing the gravity of her condition, urged her to seek specialized treatment elsewhere. Jean ultimately received care at the Monter Cancer Center in Lakeville, now known as the Zuckerberg Cancer Center. “It was such a rare case—being pregnant and having breast cancer,” she said. “He advised me to go off-island for treatment. At the time, the chances of a pregnant woman being diagnosed with breast cancer were just 0.03%.” Despite the odds, Jean’s instinct to persist—returning again and again until she was heard—likely saved her life. *** Jean’s was featured in a segment in this ABC video spotlighting breakthroughs in breast cancer; her segment starts at minute 20. A LESSON IN SELF-ADVOCACY Jean’s experience has since become a powerful lesson in self-advocacy, especially for women of color who often face barriers to being heard in medical settings. “Trust your gut,” she said firmly. “You know your body better than anyone. Don’t be afraid to speak up for yourself. And if a doctor refuses to take your concerns seriously, ask them to document it in your file. “That’s what changed everything with my OB. The moment I asked him to document that he was refusing to image me, he agreed to do it. Accountability matters.” Now a board member of Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden and a respected business leader, Jean uses her voice to empower others. Her story has been featured nationally by ABC News, Essence and The Pink Fund, among others, amplifying awareness about the importance of trusting one’s instincts and advocating for better health care. ORIGINALLY FROM BROOKLYN Originally from Brooklyn, Jean has called Staten Island home for nearly two decades. “I’ve been on Staten Island for the last 20 years,” she said. “When it was time to buy a home in 2006, the two affordable options were Staten Island and the Bronx—so it wasn’t much of a competition. We’ve been here ever since.” Jean has also built a thriving career in business and leadership development. After two decades in tech sales, she started her own company in 2019, working from her Staten Island home. “I’ve worked remotely since 2008,” she said. “My background is in sales, and I’ve worked for tech companies for about 25 years—always remotely. I started my own business in 2019 and continued working from home.” Her professional success led to opportunities to collaborate with influential figures, including Tina Knowles, whom Jean met through a feature on an ABC7 News special with the American Cancer Society. “They wanted to highlight my story because it’s so unique—being diagnosed while pregnant—and to raise awareness among women of color about advocating for themselves in medical settings,” she said. LIFE AFTER CANCER Today, Jean is in remission—and thriving. “I’ve been in remission since 2017—almost 10 years now,” she said with a smile. “Thank God.” Conversations about health in the Black community have long been quiet—especially when it comes to breast cancer. But that silence is starting to fade. A growing number of women are speaking openly about both the physical and emotional realities of diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. That shift matters. Breast cancer continues to affect Black women at disproportionately high rates, and for many, confronting the disease means navigating both medical and mental health challenges. Across generations, women are creating safe spaces, raising awareness, and prioritizing healing in every sense—ushering in a new era where mental and emotional wellness are finally seen as essential parts of the cancer journey. Recent research underscores the need for that openness. Studies show that about 40% of Black breast cancer survivors experience significant anxiety, and roughly one in five report symptoms of depression after diagnosis. For Jean, those numbers resonate deeply. “My first thought was fear, because I didn’t want to leave my two boys and husband so prematurely,” she told Essence magazine. Her story reflects a reality many survivors share but few talk about: the weight of uncertainty, the emotional toll of treatment, and the strength it takes to keep moving forward. Her three children—now 16, 14 and 9—have grown up watching their mother embody strength and resilience. “When I was diagnosed, my sons were four and five, and I was pregnant with my daughter,” Jean said. “Now my oldest is a sophomore at Susan Wagner High School, my second is a freshman at St. Peter’s, and my daughter is in fourth grade at Notre Dame Academy.” Jean’s story is a reminder that courage often begins with listening—to one’s body, to one’s instincts, and to one’s own inner voice. “When I was diagnosed, I was fortunate to have connections who helped me reach medical directors at top cancer centers within 24 hours,” she said. “But even Sloan Kettering told me they couldn’t treat me because they didn’t have a maternal-fetal specialist at the time. “So we searched everywhere and were relieved to find care on Long Island. It was a real lesson in trusting your body and advocating for yourself.” Jean continues to advocate for health equity and self-empowerment, speaking at events and mentoring others navigating their own diagnoses. “I’m just glad to share my story—it’s so important, especially here on Staten Island,” she said. Her journey stands as a testament to perseverance, faith, and the power of self-advocacy—a message every woman should hear.
