(Photo credit: Wiley College Instagram)Tiffany Jackson, a former standout at the University of Texas who was the No. 5 pick in the WNBA draft in 2007 and played nine years in the league, has passed away of cancer, the school announced. She was only 37 years old.
Jackson, who was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015, died Monday, October 3rd. Just a few months into her new job as head coach at Wiley College. A dream job she received back in April.
Jackson was a three-time All-Big 12 selection and was voted the national freshman of the year by the U.S Basketball Writers Association in 2004. She finished her Texas career ranked in the top five in career points, rebounds and steals.
Jackson played her college years under Hall of Fame head coach Jody Conradt from 2003-07.
“Tiffany had a great career and was an impact player,” Conradt said. She was recognized for her all-around game and the fact that she was tremendously mobile and could play multiple positions. She was beloved by teammates, and we share in the sadness of her passing.”
Jackson was drafted by the WNBA’s New York Liberty. She also played for the Tulsa Shock and the Los Angeles Sparks. Her best pro season came in 2011 with Tulsa when she averaged 12.4 points and 8.4 rebounds.
After her cancer Stage 3 cancer diagnosis, Jackson managed to return to the court to play a final season with Los Angeles in 2017 before retiring at age 32. She was an assistant coach at Texas for two seasons.
(Photo credit: Wiley College Instagram)While Jackson found out her diagnosis far later than doctors would have hoped in Stage III, there are five stages of breast cancer. They start at zero and go up to four (they are represented by the Roman numerals I, II, III, and IV.) There are several variables within some stages.
Tumors are measured in millimeters and centimeters (ten millimeters equals one centimeter). For consistency here, we measure tumors in millimeters.
While breast cancer incidence rates among Black and white women are close, mortality rates are markedly different, with Black women having a 41 percent higher death rate from breast cancer. Among women under 50, the disparity is even greater: The mortality rate among young Black women, who have a higher incidence of aggressive cancers, is double that of young white women.
Social, economic, and behavioral factors may partially account for disparities. Black women are statistically more likely to have diabetes, heart disease, and obesity, and are less likely to breastfeed after childbirth—all of which are risk factors for breast cancer. They are also more likely than white women to have inadequate health insurance or access to health care facilities, which may affect screening, follow-up care, and completion of therapy.
It was reported that Jackson started experiencing some symptoms prior to her diagnosis. Different people have different symptoms of breast cancer. Some people can even show no signs or symptoms at all.
Some warning signs of breast cancer are:
If you have any signs or symptoms that worry you, be sure to see your doctor right away.
“We are deeply saddened to hear the news of the passing of Tiffany Jackson, one of the greatest players in the history of Texas Women’s Basketball,” Texas Head Coach Vic Schaefer said. “From her days as a player for DFW Elite to her days as a player at The University of Texas, Tiffany has meant so much to so many people in this great state of Texas. I know she was so excited to be the head coach at Wiley College for the upcoming season. She will be sorely missed by so many. Our deepest sympathies go out to her family.”
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