Cancer Disparities

Raising Awareness to Build Health Equity

Health equity must be pursued relentlessly in communities of color including the Black community to address long-standing disparities and ensure the well-being of every individual. Achieving health equity includes dismantling systemic barriers, such as discriminatory practices, unequal access to quality healthcare, and socioeconomic inequities that disproportionately impact Black individuals.

Here are a few holidays and awareness campaigns to share with your networks during the month of June:

Juneteenth
Also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, is an annual celebration observed on June 19th to commemorate the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States. Originating in Galveston, Texas, in 1865, Juneteenth marks the day when Union General Gordon Granger arrived with the news of freedom, proclaiming the end of slavery in Texas, two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. It has since become a significant cultural and historical milestone, symbolizing the triumph of freedom over oppression and serving as a reminder of the ongoing pursuit of equality and justice for all.

Caribbean American Heritage Month
Celebrated annually in June, is a time dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the rich contributions and vibrant cultures of Caribbean Americans in the United States. In conjunction with this important observance, it is crucial to shed light on significant health issues that affect the Caribbean American community, such as cervical cancer. Cervical cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women in the Caribbean and Caribbean American populations. During this month, we’re raising awareness about the importance of regular screenings, early detection, and prevention strategies to combat cervical cancer and promote women’s health in the Caribbean American community. We can empower individuals to take proactive steps toward a healthier future.

National Black Family Cancer Awareness Week
An important week-long observance that aims to shed light on the disproportionate impact of cancer on the Black community and raise awareness about prevention, early detection, and treatment options. By addressing disparities in healthcare access and providing support networks, this initiative plays a crucial role in fostering resilience, advocating for equitable care, and ultimately working towards eliminating cancer-related disparities among Black families.

By implementing culturally sensitive care, increasing healthcare access and affordability, and prioritizing community empowerment including sharing personal stories, we can foster a future where every person in the community enjoys equitable opportunities for their best health and is free from the burden of historical injustices.

Are you a cervical cancer patient or survivor?
Add your story to our Cervivor Stories and help spread awareness of cervical cancer! Your story has the power to create change and it matters.

Embracing Inclusivity

It’s officially Pride Month so let’s talk about it, embracing inclusivity. 

Language has the ability to shape our perceptions, build understanding, and foster a world where everyone feels seen, respected, and celebrated. By using inclusive terms and adopting inclusive language, we can create an environment where people of all gender identities and sexual orientations can express themselves authentically without fear of judgment. 

Remember, words like “cisgender,” “non-binary,” “genderqueer,” “pansexual,” and “asexual” hold immense significance by validating and honoring the diverse experiences and identities within the LGBTQIA+ spectrum. Let’s educate ourselves and others, not just on pronouns but on the beautiful tapestry of identities that exist. By doing so, we pave the way for a world that embraces and celebrates the full spectrum of human diversity. 

Cancer disparities within the LGBTQIA+ community are a pressing concern that demands attention. Multiple factors contribute to these disparities, including social determinants of health, limited access to healthcare services, and unique behavioral risk factors. LGBTQIA+ individuals often face discrimination and stigma, which can lead to higher rates of tobacco and alcohol use, as well as mental health challenges. 

Additionally, inadequate healthcare coverage and cultural insensitivity can create barriers to early detection, prevention, and timely treatment. Addressing cancer disparities in the LGBTQIA+ community requires comprehensive efforts, including targeted outreach, education, and policy changes to ensure equitable access to healthcare services and reduce the burden of cancer in this marginalized population.

Cervical cancer poses a significant health concern for individuals within the LGBTQIA+ community, highlighting the importance of inclusive and comprehensive healthcare practices to address the unique needs and experiences of all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. 

We encourage and support individuals who identify as LGBTQIA+ to share their stories. Each personal narrative has the power to create empathy, break down stereotypes, and change the future to reflect the change we want to see. 

 We are Cervivor and we want you to know that you are never alone. Your story matters!