Black Family Cancer Awareness: Empowering the Younger Generation

By: Miracle Onyeugo-John

As we continue to tackle the different forms of marginalization against Black Communities including access to great healthcare and treatment without bias, it is important to highlight initiatives like the National Black Family Cancer Awareness Week to empower Black communities, particularly the younger generation. The National Black Family Cancer Awareness Week is a week-long campaign, which aims to raise awareness about cancer risks faced by Black families.

The goal of this campaign is to equip families with vital information and resources on cancer risks, early detection, prevention and the importance of raising awareness throughout our Black communities. This year's powerful theme 'Engaging the Generations' emphasizes the importance of engaging our youth, especially our young Black girls and women whose voices are essential in raising awareness and advocating for the change we need to see for better cancer outcomes in Black families and communities.

Causes of Cancer in Black Communities

• Cancer affects people of all backgrounds, but Black families are faced with higher incidence and mortality rates due to genetic predisposition. Recent research shows that Black women are more likely to carry specific genetic abnormalities, like BRCA1 and BRCA2 that increase the risk of breast and ovarian malignancies.

• Socioeconomic variables expose Black people to the risk of cancer more than their counterparts. Black communities have higher rates of poverty, which makes it harder for them to access healthcare and make good lifestyle choices. The effects of cancer can also be heightened considerably by delayed diagnosis and treatment resulting from this lack of access.

• Also, healthcare inequalities compound the issue. Compared to other racial groups, Black people are less likely to receive prompt screenings and high-quality care. Systemic racism and unconscious bias in healthcare administration have resulted in Black communities' long-standing mistrust of the healthcare system and are the leading causes of increased health-related deaths.

Risk Reduction Strategies

A comprehensive strategy that combines lifestyle modifications, routine screenings, and community support is needed to lower cancer risk. In Dr. Kristi Funk's book, "The Breast: The Owner's Manual" she highlights some useful tactics, including:

• Healthy Diet and Exercise: Dr. Funk suggests cutting back on processed foods and red meat in favour of a balanced diet high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Also, exercise and maintaining a healthy weight play a vital role in reducing the risk of various malignancies, including prostate, colorectal, and breast cancers.

• Frequent Screenings: According to Dr Funk, early cancer detection increases the chances of successful treatment and survival. Mammograms, colonoscopies, and other screenings for early detection are important. As Black people, we should follow suggested screening regimens and consult a doctor if we experience any odd symptoms.

• Avoid Tobacco and Reduce Alcohol: Tobacco use is a leading cause of cancer. Yes, when we quit smoking and avoid exposure to secondhand smoke, it can significantly reduce the risk of lung cancer and other cancers. Dr. Funk also advises limiting alcohol consumption, as excessive intake is linked to an increased risk of cancers such as breast, liver, and colorectal cancer.

• Genetic Testing and Counseling: For individuals with a family history of cancer, genetic testing can detect mutations and tumours that increase the risk of cancer. Dr. Funk advices that genetic counselling can help with individualized risk reduction plans and decision-making about prophylactic surgery and more frequent screenings, among other preventive treatments.

Measures

Beyond lifestyle choices, the solution to this problem requires systemic changes, collective efforts, and individual behaviour. Here are some vital measures emphasized by Dr. Funk:

• Education and Awareness: No matter how careful we try to be about cancer, the disease results from many uncontrollable factors and the benefit of understanding these risks enables us to make informed choices. This is why we must share knowledge about the symptoms, risk factors, and significance of early identification of cancer. Schools, churches, communities and organizations can all be vital hubs for promoting healthy lifestyles and distributing information.

• Healthcare Access: It is important to advocate for affordable healthcare for Black communities in addition to broadening healthcare coverage, enhancing accessibility of cancer screenings, and offering culturally appropriate care to meet the unique healthcare needs of Black families.

• Support Systems: Here is a proven fact that will shock no one: Breast cancer survivors provide the most informational and emotional support to those battling the disease. Love and support can heal hearts, souls, breasts, and bodies. Initial diagnoses often bring fear, highlighting the importance of support systems in transforming cancer from a threat to a survivable reality. Community support networks, including health workers and advocacy groups, offer vital tools and psychological aid, reminding individuals they are not alone. These systems connect patients with survivors who offer empathy, advice, and encouragement aiding them as they undergo diagnosis and treatment and improve physical health.

• Policy Advocacy: To make meaningful and sustained change, we must change the foundation of these problems: the laws that have allowed such blatant healthcare inequities. Advocacy at this level would necessitate financing for Black community-focused cancer research, enhancing access to preventive care, and tackling socioeconomic determinants of health.

Most important to remember is that discourse surrounding this issue extends beyond the dates of National Black Family Cancer Awareness Week. Conversations on cancer awareness, improved healthcare access, and policy advocacy to help address cancer disparities in Black communities have to be sustained throughout the year to inspire meaningful action. We as the youth, have such a significant role to play. We have the information and power we need to educate ourselves and others and ultimately secure healthier futures for Black families and communities.