Can You (Should you?) Future Proof Black Women's Health?

Here’s a question I’ve been sitting with: If you could glimpse into your future health, would you want to—even if it meant learning about something you couldn’t treat right away?

As a cancer survivor, I’ve faced this question head-on. During my journey, I discovered a test called Signatera. It can detect microscopic traces of cancer cells in your bloodstream, giving you a way to monitor for recurrence early. It’s an incredible tool, but choosing to take the test wasn’t without its emotional weight.

Knowledge can be empowering, but it also has a cost. Would knowing bring peace of mind—or steal it? For me, the decision to know felt like taking control. I saw it as a way to protect my future and be proactive about my health. But I also understand the other side: not knowing can mean living in the moment without the shadow of "what if" looming over you.

This question of knowing vs. not knowing isn’t just for those of us who’ve faced cancer. There are tools available to help anyone assess their health risks, like online calculators that estimate your breast cancer risk based on family history and lifestyle. They can be helpful guides, but they also open the door to the same dilemma: Does knowing add to your quality of life—or take something away from it?

Even if you’re not ready to peek into your future through a test like this, there are smaller, meaningful ways to take care of yourself and others every day. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is one, but so is fostering awareness and connection. That’s why Spectrum Glassware exists—not just to create beautiful glassware, but to start conversations, build community, and support the fight against health issues that disproportionately affect Black women. Every piece is a reminder of the power of small, intentional actions to create a ripple of awareness and impact.

So, what would you choose? Would you embrace the knowledge, even if there were no immediate answers? Or would you prefer to focus on the present and deal with the future as it comes?

There’s no right or wrong here—just different ways of navigating life and health. I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments. Let’s talk about it.