Health

National study launched to explore cancer rates in Black women

May 7, 2024 1 min read

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The American Cancer Society has initiated VOICES of Black Women, a pioneering research project aimed at understanding the reasons behind the high cancer mortality rates among Black women. This extensive study plans to track over 100,000 Black women aged 25 to 55 across 20 states for three decades. Participants' medical histories, lifestyles, and personal experiences, including encounters with racism, will be closely monitored to identify contributing factors to cancer prevalence and mortality.

Despite being less likely to receive a cancer diagnosis compared to white women, Black women have a higher probability of succumbing to the disease within five years of diagnosis. This racial disparity is starkly evident in breast cancer statistics, where the mortality rate for Black women is 40% higher than that of white women. The VOICES study aims to uncover the underlying causes of these disparities to improve cancer prevention, detection, and treatment for Black women.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Black individuals have the highest cancer death rate across all racial and ethnic groups. This research initiative by the ACS, which is currently enrolling participants, seeks to address the pressing issue of why Black women, in particular, face such elevated risks. By delving into various aspects of their lives, the study will strive to shed light on this public health concern and inform future strategies to combat cancer disparities among Black women.

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