Black Genes Matter: The Significance of Biodata in Preventing Breast Cancer in Black Women
Every October, High Impact Partners collaborates with Touch4Life to recognize Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Touch4Life is making strides in advocating healthy lifestyles, encouraging breast self-exams, and advancing breast cancer awareness and equity.
This October, we are sharing updates on the importance of genetic and biomarker testing. Laura Crandon, president and founder of Touch4Life, explains, "Biomarkers are the key to unlocking better care for people of African heritage. Women and men of color will be left out of precision oncology if we are not included in biodata and clinical trials. Black Genes Matter™ is more than a slogan—it's a movement. By focusing on our shared genetics and family health histories, Black Genes Matter™ aims to empower people of color, men and women, to take control of their health and live their best lives.”
Breast cancer screening and early detection of cancer are paramount when taking action to protect, prevent and overcome cancer. The statistics shown below are found on breastcancer.org.
In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, many facilities offer free or low-cost mammograms every October. Call your local imaging centers and ask what they may be offering. YWCA is nationwide organization that offers low-cost mammograms through their Encore Plus Program. Or visit freemammograms.org.
About 1 in 8 U.S. women and 1 in 833 U.S. men will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of their lives.
In 2023, an estimated 300,590 cases (297,790 women and 2,800 men) of invasive breast cancer and an estimated 55,720 new cases of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) will be diagnosed in the US.
An estimated 43,780 people will lose their lives to metastatic breast cancer in 2023.
As of January 2022, there were over 4 million women living with a history of breast cancer in the U.S.
About 9 percent of all new breast cancer cases are diagnosed in women 45 and under.
Though Black women have a lower incidence of breast cancer than white women, Black women are 40 percent more likely to die of breast cancer.
Help educate and save lives this October
Together, we can make a difference and learn about disparities in health outcomes for cancer patients. Party with a purpose and help raise awareness about improving healthcare disparities, reducing cancer risks, and learning from personal health stories. Join us to learn about disparities in health outcomes for Black patients. Grab your black jeans and join HIP and Touch4Life at the Black Genes Matter™ event on October 19, 2023 from 6-9 p.m. in College Park, MD, at The Hall CP, for the launch of Black Genes Matter™.
Do More
Touch4Life, Inc. is a 501 (c)(3) located in the State of Maryland. Donations are intended for residents of Maryland, DC, and Delaware.