Researchers working to solve connection between Black women and cancer

Kori Johnson
·2 min read

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — On average, Black women are more likely to be diagnosed with aggressive cancers and, once diagnosed, are more likely to die than women of other races.

That’s according to researchers at the American Cancer Society. They’re now using a new study launched this week to find the gap, and a Vanderbilt University and Meharry Medical College alum is helping lead the charge.

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“I think there’s a little bit more acceptance and the need to understand how these things impact the lives of Black women, and without our voices we are missing,” said Dr. Lauren McCullough, a co-principal investigator for the Voices of Black Women study.

“I think about the story of my sister-in-law who lives in Nashville, you know, I think about the experiences of my classmates and colleagues, and so all of that comes alive in a study like this,” said McCullough. “Black women are actually screened at the same rates as white women, yet we are getting Stage 3 and Stage 4 cancers, and so there are other things going on, like what’s happening after screening. Are physicians adequately following up? Are we going back in and get that biopsy? Are we starting the treatment? Those are some of the unknowns.”

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One hundred thousand Black women are needed to participate, and you need to meet certain criteria:

  • Identify as a Black woman

  • Between the ages of 25 and 55

  • No history of cancer

  • Live in an eligible state (which includes Tennessee)

  • Complete a one-hour survey to get started

“We plan to follow up for about 30 years and I know that seems like a really long time, but the thing that’s important to consider is, cancer is a disease that usually develops as people get older, and for Black women, they tend to get cancer at very younger ages and at older ages, and so we need that wide time span to really understand what’s happening,” said McCullough.

It’s one hour a year over the next 30 years researchers tell News 2 could transform what we know about cancer, how it impacts Black women, and the solutions needed to fight it.

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“We have to think about the collective and without our involvement, this research, it doesn’t get done,” said McCullough.

To learn more about the study and sign up to participate, click here.

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