Sheryl Swoopes sits at the peak of women’s basketball glory. Between the championships on collegiate and WNBA courts, securing Olympic gold on the hardwood three times, locking in a historic shoe deal with Nike, and advocating for the next generation of elite women’s basketball players, her impact permeates the sport both past and present.
But beyond her accomplishments, Swoopes is investing energy into advocacy, encouraging women to prioritize their health and wellness. This intention moved the basketball star to make a private moment for most women a very public one: getting a mammogram.
Through a longstanding partnership with radiology provider, RadNet, the Hall of Famer allowed fans, supporters and women around the world a front row seat to her most recent mammogram at Lenox Hill Radiology in New York City. By allowing cameras into the screening process, Swoopes hopes to demystify it for women who may be apprehensive or misinformed. The basketball legend also says she values locking arms with RadNet, because their collaboration is opening channels of communication that many Black families are not having.
“Part of what I’ve been able to do is use my voice and platform and travel with RadNet. We’ve had different events and been able to talk about the importance of all women, but Black women in particular, getting our mammograms and our screenings and early detection. Because in our community, we don’t really talk about that. We don’t really talk about health issues and things that we’re dealing with as Black women,” Swoopes says.
In breaking the fourth wall and allowing the world access to a moment many women dread, the sports icon has become a beacon of hope, courage, and empowerment. Swoopes stresses that the fears many women have about getting a mammogram are valid, but she also emphasizes the importance of pushing past those fears and taking ownership of their health.
“You can be afraid, but you can’t let that fear take over, because if it’s found early enough then there’s something that can be done about it,” she says. “If you wait months and months, and there is something there, you’re only putting yourself at extra risk.”
The well-respected sports star revealed she took her share of risks when it came to getting her screenings on time. Swoopes admits to delaying her first mammogram until she turned 52 despite her family’s health history, which includes the loss of eight relatives to cancer. Part of that tragic number is two of her aunts, who sadly lost their battles with breast cancer.
Between how health traumas have impacted her loved ones and not having conversations about what mammograms entail with friends or family, Swoopes says she was nervous heading into her first screening. She credits RadNet with easing her apprehensions and putting her on the path to consistent screenings, connecting her with a Black female doctor who made her feel comfortable.
“I think it’s important that we find that doctor that we trust. When you read about Black women and our experiences with doctors, with all the things that we’re going through and our bodies are going through, it’s hard for us to trust what they’re saying,” she shares. “My experience with Dr. A put me at so much ease that I was like, ‘I found someone who gets me that looks like me.’ I can trust what she’s saying. I know she’s going to give me the best advice I need.”
The safety Swoopes found in her doctor proved vital after her first mammogram. Shortly after the procedure, her physician expressed concerns about some of the imaging of her right breast. From there, the star had to undergo a biopsy to rule out the possibility of breast cancer. Thankfully, the biopsy came back clean, and since then, she has moved forward more determined to keep her annual appointments. She aims to encourage women to get their mammograms on time and move through the moments of “the unknown” with poise and positivity, continuing to stress that women hold their health in their hands.
“What I would say to all women is listen to your body. Nobody knows your body better than you do. It’s so important to advocate for yourself, because if you don’t do it, nobody else is going to do it for you,” she stresses.
Now on track with her yearly screenings and prioritizing her wellbeing, the legendary athlete is clear on her purpose in this chapter of her life.
“The things I’ve done on the court, all the awards, all the accolades and things I’ve achieved have been great accomplishments. But the platform that I have now, and the work that I’ve been able to do with RadNet gives me a greater sense of pride and accomplishment,” says Swoopes. “I feel like I’m making a difference in somebody’s life out there. It may not be everybody, but there’s going to be somebody out there that’s going to hear the message. That could potentially save somebody’s life.”
For the women reading this who are staring year 40 in the face, it is time. For the women reading this who are overdue for their mammogram, it is time. For the women reading this who sense something just isn’t right, it is time. It is time to get your mammogram. It is time to set aside 30-45 minutes for a screening and possibly save your own life. If one of the biggest stars to ever pick up a basketball can face her fears and do away with delays, we all should be inspired to rise above our worries, be proactive, and follow suit.
