Anita’s TNBC Journey: Why Beyond the Gates’ Realistic Breast Cancer Storyline Matters
Viewers of Beyond the Gates know that the show knows how to tackle real-life issues in a refreshingly real way. There’s no denying that fans have gotten a first-hand lesson in breast cancer this year, and the important campaign will continue.
Breast Cancer, Know Your Lemon, and Beyond the Gates
Beyond the Gates and the Know Your Lemons Foundation have partnered and the results are in: The CBS sudser knows how to tackle a serious, real life issue, and educate through entertainment.
As viewers are well aware, Dupree matriarch Anita (Tamara Tunie) was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) last month. The diagnosis came after some riveting scenes following Anita doing routine check-ups and a mammogram, to being called back in for a biopsy.
Viewers were abuzz with the realistic portrayal of a woman during the procedure, but then the worst happened: a positive diagnosis. Not only did Anita have breast cancer, but TNBC is an aggressive form of the disease, with higher risks, and most commonly found in Black women.
Per CBS, the collaboration of Beyond the Gates and the Know Your Lemons Foundation is “aimed to raise awareness about important life-saving initiatives.” Through Anita’s journey from diagnosis to treatment, viewers will witness the family at large navigating the health crisis.
Anita was told of genetic implications, sending her daughters, Dani (Karla Mosley) and Nicole (Daphnée Duplaix), to be tested to see if they carry the BRCA gene, which heightens the risk of TNBC developing. While Nicole tested negative, Dani’s results were positive. Now, her daughters need to be tested as well.
As explained on the show, testing positive isn’t a diagnosis, but it does raise the risks — but that information is power.
In addition to the cancer storyline, the show discusses the opening of a clinic in Fairmont Crest, which is another example of using the script to educate viewers. Medical access and awareness are often barriers — especially to Black women — getting the care they need.
Executive producers Michele Val Jean and Tracey Thomson stated, “Our goal is to tell a story that raises awareness about the prevalence of triple-negative breast cancer and the importance of regular screenings to aid in early detection. Beyond that, we want to encourage and empower women to take an active role in their own breast health. You are your own best advocate.”
Beyond the Gates’ Mosley and Duplaix were in a PSA that aired at the end of the episode on January 1st. A second PSA is also being created.
Beyond the Gates airs weekdays on CBS and Paramount+ — missed a day? Catch up with daily recaps at The Soap Scene.