The following announcement is reposted with permission from the American Cancer Society.
This investment underscores a shared commitment to advancing data-driven insights that improve outcomes for people affected by cancer.
Led by American Cancer Society researchers, Dr. Alpa Patel and Dr. Lauren McCullough, the VOICES of Black Women study is designed to better understand the multi-level drivers of cancer incidence, mortality and resilience within this demographic. The long-term study will gather valuable data from Black women between the ages of 25 and 55 from diverse backgrounds and income levels who have not been diagnosed with cancer. The American Cancer Society aims to enroll over 100,000 Black women nationwide. With funding from Communities Foundation of Texas, the organization will expand recruitment efforts across North Texas through public awareness campaigns and community-driven engagement strategies.
“At Communities Foundation of Texas, we are committed to advancing health outcomes as we seek to build a thriving community for all. ACS has a 70-year plus history of proven expertise in leading groundbreaking research. This funding will help increase the number of community members they can reach and accelerate their research,” said Wayne White, President & CEO, Communities Foundation of Texas.
“VOICES of Black Women is an essential and long-overdue step toward health equity,” said Jeff Fehlis, Executive Vice President for the American Cancer Society. “When we understand the experiences of Black women, we deepen our knowledge of cancer inequities and can work toward more effective solutions.”
Study enrollment is now open. Eligible participants must identify as Black, be assigned female at birth or self-identify as women, have never been diagnosed with cancer – (except basal or squamous skin cancer), and be between the ages of 25 and 55. Enrolled participants will collaborate with researchers by sharing behavioral, environmental, and lived experiences through short surveys delivered at least twice a year via a secure online portal. No medication, clinical testing, treatment, or lifestyle changes are part of the study.
The American Cancer Society believes everyone should have a fair and just opportunity to prevent, find, treat and survive cancer. Acting on this belief and fulfilling the organization’s vision of ending cancer as we know it for everyone requires focus on eliminating deeply rooted barriers that have caused long-standing inequities in cancer outcomes. The VOICES of Black Women® study represents a significant stride towards achieving this goal and underscores the organization’s unwavering commitment to health equity and social justice.
For more information about the VOICES of Black Women® study and how to participate, please visit voices.cancer.org.
