CBS’ daytime soap opera “Beyond the Gates” brings awareness to Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) through Anita Dupree’s storyline.
Some cancer survivors wonder why Anita wasn’t advised to undergo a double mastectomy as a treatment option for triple-negative breast cancer.
A double mastectomy is necessary because TNBC is a very aggressive disease with a high chance of reoccurrence even if chemotherapy shrinks the tumor to nothing.
Cancer tends to reoccur because TNBC spreads faster and has fewer treatment options than other breast cancers.
Actress Tamara Tunie is excellent as matriarch Anita Dupree who is diagnosed with the most aggressive form of breast cancer.
But it’s important to remember that “Beyond the Gates” is just entertainment.
Don’t expect a daytime TV show to educate you about breast cancer. Speak to your doctor or other cancer survivors for the most accurate information. And do your own research to find the treatment option that is best for you.
Lawwwwd Take Anita's cancer and give it to Leslie. ?? Amen #BeyondTheGates pic.twitter.com/fIUc4afnSJ
— jaz (@MiddleOfDaMap) December 22, 2025
TNBC is around 15-20% of all breast cancers.
April D. underwent a double mastectomy and total hysterectomy after being diagnosed with TNBC at age 40.
April was diagnosed with TNBC after she found 4 lumps along the side of her left breast.
In the video below, courtesy of The Patient Story, April walks the viewer through her experience with TNBC and chemotherapy. She talks about holding off on having the surgeries until she gave birth to her last child.
April tested positive for the BRCA1 gene, which means she had to undergo a double mastectomy plus remove her ovaries and uterus as the first line of treatment.
Just 5 months later, the aggressive cancer returned. April was devastated to learn she has stage 4 metastatic breast cancer that spread to her lungs.
Throughout her journey, April has leaned heavily on her faith, grace, and gratitude. She finds joy in her family, and setting future goals.
She wanted to share her story to encourage other cancer patients to have hope and know they can get through this difficult journey.
