Cancer Education

The rate of dying from prostate cancer is double for Black/ African American men, when compared to other races.² This statistic underlines the importance for regular screenings and early detection within the community.

The results of a 2022 study published into the Journal of Clinical Oncology reported that despite having the lowest incidence of cervical cancer, Black women experience the highest death rate³. This reality is extremely concerning, and we must put in the work to better protect our mothers, sisters, and daughters. Did you know that cervical cancer is one of the most preventable types of cancer with 93% of all cervical cancers being preventable?⁴

Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination, routine cervical cancer screenings, and appropriate & timely follow-up treatment all ways we each can help reduce our risk of cervical cancer.

• HPV Vaccination
  • HPV is a viral infection that can impact the “cells on the surface of the skin or on the moist surfaces or inner lining of some organs and body cavities” causing atypical tissue growth and changes to those cells (cancer). It is spread through vaginal, anal, or oral sex.⁴

A common misconception about HPV is that it is uncommon. In fact, almost all sexually active people. Most HPV infections go away on their own, but sometimes ‘high-risk’ HPV types persist for many years causing cell changes, and if left untreated can become cancerous.⁵ 

The HPV vaccine is said to prevent up to around 90% of cancers that can be potentially induced by HPV vaccine. It is important for Black/ African Americans to stay up-to-date with the HPV vaccine to limit transmission and best protect Black women.⁶

• Screening Tests
  • Pap Test (Pap Smear)

A Pap test or Pap Smear is a cervical exam for women, looking precancerous cells.⁷

• HPV Test

An HPV test is a test done to look specifically for the presence of the HPV virus that can cause cell changes.⁷

Ask your doctor or health care provider to see if you are due for either test and/or to see which exam is best for you. Be sure to follow up with your physician about any abnormal results.

Black Americans have seen large disparity for colorectal cancer with the highest number of cases and death being among them.⁸ 2022 data from the National Cancer Institute’s Seer Cancer Statistics Review found that for Black men the incidence rate (measure of how common a disease occurs in a certain population) was 52.4 per 100,000 men while for White men it was 43.5; that is a 1.2 times difference.² For Black women, the incidence rate was 9.0 while for White woman it was 7.1, which is a difference of 1.3. ²

Colorectal cancer is a disease where cancer cells form in the colon or rectum, which are components of the digestive system that work to remove and process nutrients from foods and remove waste out of the body. Together the colon, rectum, and anal canal make up the large intestine.⁹

Factors like genetics, age, in which we cannot control, as well utilization of screenings and environment including diet & nutrition, physical activity, which we may have some control over, all play a role in determining our individual risk factors for colorectal cancer. A study on Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Colorectal Cancer stated that around 65% of the risk comes from environmental factors while 35% are from genetic factors.⁸

Reducing Risk

• Regular Physical Activity
• Healthy Balanced Diet
• Know Your Family History: Genetic Counseling
• Screenings
  • Colonoscopy

Ask your doctor or health care provider to see if you are due for a screening. Talk to them about your risk for colorectal cancer and how you best reduce risk.

Lung Cancer is ranked as the third most common cancer impacting the United States and the leading type of cancer death.¹⁰ The American Lung Association shared, that based on the national SEER survey, 1 in 16 Black men and 1 in 20 Black women will be diagnosed with lung cancer within their lifetime.¹¹ These statistics underline the need for Black/ African Americans stay aware and be proactive when it comes to their health. The CDC states the population seeing the highest rates of having lung cancer and dying from their condition are Black men. ¹¹

So, what can you do to reduce your risk?

No Smoking.

Both tobacco use and secondhand smoke exposure have been shown to lead to lung cancer.¹³ This includes cigarette, cigar, pipe (hookah) smoking.  To reduce the risk of developing lung cancer, experts say avoiding tobacco smoking is one of the best ways to prevent onset.¹⁴

Air Pollution

Particle pollution in our air is also a risk factor for developing lung cancer. Those living in places with known high levels of air pollution are at increased risk.¹⁵ These places may include areas with high car traffic, near highways, industrial facilities, or areas that are prone to wildfires.¹⁶ Here are some ways to reduce your risk of exposure: Adequate home ventilation & filtration, properly use gas (combustion) appliances including range hoods and fans, use indoor air cleaners.

Screenings

The recommended lung cancer screening test is called ‘low-dose computed tomography’ (aka. low-dose CT scan), which is an exam that uses a low amount of radiation to form detailed images of your lungs.¹⁷ Ask your doctor or physician if you are due for a screening. Talk to them about your risk for colorectal cancer and how you best reduce risk. The American Lung Association stated in their 2023 State of Lung Cancer report, that “Black individuals with lung cancer were 15% less likely to be diagnosed early, 19% less likely to receive surgical treatment”, and “11% more likely to receive any treatment.¹³ These statistics are striking, and we must work to reverse these trends.