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Everyday Health
7 of the Best Cancer Support Organizations for Black Women
By By Jennifer Garam. Fact-Checked,
22 days ago
While disparities in healthcare persist, finding the right cancer organization for you can offer a supportive community and help with navigating the system. Vera Shikha/iStock; Oksana Kalmykova/iStock; Canva Black women face an array of disparities when it comes to cancer care , from lack of representation in clinical trials to barriers to care, poorer outcomes, and higher mortality rates.
While cancer support organizations can't eliminate these disparities, the social support network they offer can play a crucial role in helping women navigate and overcome them, says Renee Cowan, MD , a gynecologic oncologist at Woman's Hospital in Baton Rouge, LA. "This can be an impactful area for cancer support organizations to contribute to," Dr. Cowan says.
Among other benefits, these organizations can foster connection, and "there is a lot to be gained from networking with other women who have faced similar situations and diagnoses," Cowan says. "These bonds … can help Black women navigate confusing healthcare systems that are not necessarily designed to be easily navigated, and they can grant Black women exposure to tools and resources that may improve the quality of their care and the course of their journey [with cancer]."
Here are seven of the best cancer support organizations for Black women.
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2. African American Breast Cancer Alliance (AABCA)
Founded more than 30 years ago, the African American Breast Cancer Alliance promotes breast health awareness in Black communities and creates culturally specific educational materials. The alliance also offers programs such as a virtual support group via Zoom for Black women and men diagnosed with breast cancer, and an annual retreat for female survivors of all backgrounds and cultures impacted by any type of cancer.
3. Carrie's TOUCH
Carrie's TOUCH provides connection, community, and support for Black women diagnosed with breast cancer through support groups and their free app Survive and Thrive , which includes a newly diagnosed feature; meditations, affirmations, and reminders for breast cancer survivors; access to support groups and videos; directories of financial resources, oncologists of color, and free and low-cost therapy options; and other resources.
4. Endometrial Cancer Action Network for African-Americans (ECANA)
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5. For the Breast of Us (FTBOU)
For the Breast of Us offers many ways for women of color to connect with other breast cancer survivors through their vibrant, supportive community. Their Breast Cancer Baddie Directory provides an opportunity to connect with other individuals, as does their private Facebook group for women of color. Women can also follow the organization on Instagram @forthebreastodus , attend virtual or in-person events , and listen to their podcast "Baddie 2 Baddie," available on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , and other streaming platforms.
Though the Tigerlily Foundation serves women of all backgrounds, the organization deliberately seeks to include those who face health disparities and have less access to care, like women of color. Through their clinical trials initiative , Tigerlily Foundation works to increase the participation of women of color in breast cancer clinical trials, and they have a few different clinical trial search tools on their website that help women in treatment find clinical trials that are right for them. Additionally, they provide a robust selection of helpful resources on their website, such as downloadable " Barrier Toolkits " on topics like self-advocacy in medical settings, health literacy for patients, getting culturally competent care, and more.
The Takeaway
Black women with cancer face unique challenges, but finding supportive organizations can help you navigate diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship. Connecting with one of these cancer support organizations that are dedicated to providing resources and building community for Black women can improve both your care journey and overall quality of life.
Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy . We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions.
Sources
Awidi M, Al Hadidi S. Participation of Black Americans in Cancer Clinical Trials: Current Challenges and Proposed Solutions. JCO Oncology Practice . May 11, 2021.
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