Landmark study of cancer in Black women launches in 20 states, aiming to be largest ever

The Risk of Cancer Mortality in Black Women

The risk of dying from cancer has steadily declined in the U.S. over the last few decades, but Black women still have some of the lowest survival rates.

Disparities in Cancer Survival Rates

Although Black women are less likely to be diagnosed with cancer than white women, they are more likely to die of it within five years, according to the National Cancer Institute. The disparity is particularly stark for breast cancer, which kills Black women at a 40% higher rate than white women, even though their rate of diagnoses is 4% lower. Black women are also 60% more likely than white women to die of cervical cancer and nearly twice as likely to die of endometrial cancer.

The VOICES of Black Women Study

To find out what’s driving these stark inequities, the American Cancer Society launched a study called VOICES of Black Women. This study plans to enroll more than 100,000 Black women ages 25 to 55 in the U.S., making it the largest study of its kind ever conducted in the country.

Study Objectives

• Enroll over 100,000 Black women ages 25 to 55
• Follow participants for 30 years
• Examine medical histories, lifestyle factors, and experiences of racism
• Assess risk of developing or dying from cancer

“With few exceptions, Black women are more likely to be diagnosed with late-stage cancer, aggressive tumor types, and have higher cancer-specific mortality rates than other women. It’s within this context that the American Cancer Society is launching VOICES of Black Women,” said Dr. Lauren McCullough, a co-principal investigator and the visiting scientific director at the American Cancer Society.

Addressing Historic Mistrust and Ethical Considerations

Black women have long been underrepresented in health research due to a history of medical exploitation. The VOICES study aims to build trust and ensure respect by partnering with Black women in the research process. The study allows participants to opt out of providing medical records and keeps their names hidden from published research. A review board will also provide ethical oversight.

Enrollment and Data Collection

To be eligible for the study, participants must live in one of 20 states or Washington, D.C., which together account for more than 90% of the U.S. population of Black women ages 25 to 55. Enrollment starts with a brief registration on the study’s website, followed by a survey that asks about medical history, diet, sleep patterns, physical activity, mental health, stress levels, and experiences of racism and discrimination. Once enrolled, participants will be asked to fill out two surveys each year. If a woman develops cancer, the study researchers may ask her permission to reach out to her doctor for more information about her diagnosis.

Potential Impact

The findings from the VOICES of Black Women study could ultimately help eliminate barriers to preventing, detecting, and treating cancer among Black women. Dr. Alpa Patel, senior vice president of population science for the American Cancer Society, stated, “It’s rare that I use the word ‘transformative,’ but I think it’s very appropriate here.”

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
• SDG 5: Gender Equality
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

The article addresses the issue of disparities in cancer survival rates among Black women compared to white women. This relates to SDG 3, which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages. It also connects to SDG 5, which focuses on achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls. Additionally, the article highlights the historical mistrust and underrepresentation of Black women in health research, which relates to SDG 10, aiming to reduce inequalities within and among countries.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.
• Target 5.1: End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere.
• Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.

The article highlights the need to address the disparities in cancer survival rates among Black women, which aligns with Target 3.4 of SDG 3. It also emphasizes the historical exploitation and underrepresentation of Black women in health research, which relates to Target 5.1 of SDG 5 and Target 10.2 of SDG 10.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator: Cancer-specific mortality rates among Black women compared to other women.
• Indicator: Representation of Black women in health research studies.
• Indicator: Trust and participation of Black women in health research.

The article mentions the higher cancer-specific mortality rates among Black women compared to other women, which can be used as an indicator to measure progress towards Target 3.4 of SDG 3. The underrepresentation of Black women in health research and the need to build trust and ensure their participation can serve as indicators for measuring progress towards Target 5.1 of SDG 5 and Target 10.2 of SDG 10.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table

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Fuente: nbcnews.com

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