African Americans have the highest cancer mortality rate overall and the lowest survival rate for most cancers of any racial/ethnic group, according to “Cancer Statistics for African American/Black People 2022,” a report by American Cancer Society researchers. These disparities are largely driven by lower socioeconomic status as well as diagnoses made when cancer is advanced and harder to treat. Numerous organizations seek to improve survival rates and quality of life for Black folks by promoting preventive lifestyles, regular health screenings, support groups and increased access to care and education. Here are some prominent examples.
African American Breast Cancer Alliance (AABCA)
AABCA raises awareness among Black women and men impacted by breast cancer through community networking and culturally specific resources. Outreach programs help people navigate the health care system and connect with organizations that offer treatment, clinical trials and more.
African American Health Program (AAHP)
aahpmontgomerycounty.org/cancer
AAHP aims to eliminate racial disparities in cancer through free preventive services that encourage Black people to lead healthy lifestyles. Staffed by a range of health care professionals, AAHP provides health and nutrition education, counseling and classes about cancer risk factors, such as diabetes and heart disease.
African Women’s Cancer Awareness Association (AWCAA)
AWCAA works to reduce the burden of cancer on African immigrant women and their families through culturally sensitive resources. Patient navigators offer transportation to clinics, translation services, childcare support and more.
Endometrial Cancer Action Network for African-Americans (ECANA)
Formed by a group of women who recognized the need for reproductive health care for Black people, ECANA advocates for women affected by endometrial and uterine cancer. Visit its website for research on the disease.
Malecare
Malecare designs free personalized men’s health programs for underserved populations, including Black men. Free booklets help you navigate treatment, racism in medicine, side effects and more. Its virtual patient navigator, Cancer Copilot, can answer questions in seconds.
National Cancer Institute
Searching for cancer rates among Black Americans? The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program (SEER), which is part of the U.S. cancer agency, offers data by cancer type, race/ethnicity, age and sex.
Sisters Network Inc.
Celebrating 30 years, this African-American breast cancer survivorship organization has chapters in numerous cities. Visit its website for info on awareness and fundraising events, webinars, financial help and much more.
Tigerlily Foundation
Created to educate and empower young women before, during and after cancer, Tigerlily offers resources for minorities, such as the tool kits Understanding and Addressing Medical Racism and Increasing Black and Brown Representation in Clinical Trials.
ZERO Prostate Cancer
This organization provides support and education to folks impacted by prostate cancer. Its Black Men’s Prostate Cancer Initiative offers updated data, screening resources, support groups and a podcast. Its website features a clinical trial finder.
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