In the U.S, 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer, according to the National Breast Cancer Foundation. According to The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, black women have a higher mortality rate but get diagnosed at a younger age compared to white women. Despite differences between groups, the fact of the matter is: this disease needs to be talked about so that all women know the importance of breast health and screenings. On this last day of Breast Cancer Awareness month, we wanted to highlight a few black organizations who dedicate themselves to bringing awareness and support to breast cancer survivors in the black community. Here are three of groups out there you can support this month and beyond.
1.) Sisters Network Inc.(SNI) – Located in Houston, Texas, Sister’s Network Inc is one of the nation’s most well-known organizations to lead the fight against breast cancer in the black community. It was founded in 1994 by Karen Eubanks Jackson, a 23-year breast cancer survivor and is currently the organization’s CEO. SNI holds numerous successful outreach programs. “Stop the Silence” is a campaign to end the fear of addressing the devastating impact of breast cancer in the black community. In their “The Gift for Life Block Walk” program, cancer survivors and local community groups go door to door handing out pink ribbons and various educational resources on breast health care. Through their programming, SNI’s main objective is to bring a heightened sense of awareness among African Americans in the country and to improve the devastating survival rate.
2.) African American Breast Cancer Alliance (AABCA) – This organization’s mission is to bring awareness and education to the community, as well as create a space of emotional support for black women suffering from the disease. Since October 1990, co-founder and breast cancer survivor Reona Berry and the AABCA remains dedicated to empowering black women to take control of their health by educating them on the risks of getting breast cancer and the importance of getting early breast screenings.
3.) Black Women’s Health Imperative (BWHI)- Founded in 1983, the BWHI dedicates themselves to bettering the health and wellness for 21 million black women and girls all over the United States. Their goal is to address health issues that affect us the most, including breast cancer, through advocacy programs, education and public policy. By 2020, this amazing organization hopes to help 12.5 million black women get a greater quality of health.
