Black women are making history by joining forces with researchers in an unprecedented cancer study that could save countless lives. The American Cancer Society’s groundbreaking VOICES of Black Women study aims to understand why cancer affects Black women differently — and they need your help to make it happen.
The shocking truth about cancer’s impact on Black women
The numbers tell a devastating story. While mortality rates have dropped dramatically since the 1990s, Black women haven’t seen the same benefits as other groups. Even more alarming? They face the highest death rates of any racial or ethnic group in America, with breast cancer mortality double that of white women.
Breaking down the barriers
For far too long, medical research has left Black women’s experiences out of the conversation. With only 5-7 percent of clinical study participants being Black — despite making up 14 percent of the population — critical data about how diseases affect Black women differently has been missing from the equation.
Why this study is different from anything before
The VOICES study isn’t your typical medical research project. No needles, no hospital visits or lifestyle changes are required. Instead, participants simply complete two surveys each year, sharing their real-life experiences and helping researchers understand the environmental and social factors that influence Black women’s health outcomes.
The power of 100,000 voices
This ambitious project aims to create the largest-ever study focused specifically on Black women and cancer, with a goal of recruiting 100,000 participants. While over 2,700 women have already joined the movement, researchers need many more voices to create meaningful change.
Making history in the DMV
The DC-Maryland-Virginia area is taking center stage in this revolutionary study, with researchers hoping to recruit more than 4,500 Black women from the region. But don’t worry if you’re not local; women from across the country can participate, with recruitment efforts spanning multiple states including Alabama, California, Florida and Georgia.
Building a community of warriors
This study isn’t just about collecting data — it’s about creating connections. Participants have the opportunity to join a powerful network of Black women who are passionate about improving health outcomes for future generations. By sharing experiences and supporting one another, these women are building a community that extends far beyond the research itself.
How you can be part of the solution
Ready to make history? Black women ages 18 and up can join the VOICES study by visiting voices.cancer.org. Your participation could help researchers better understand:
- Why cancer affects Black women differently
- What environmental factors influence cancer risk
- How social determinants impact health outcomes
- What strategies could reduce cancer disparities
The bigger picture
Every woman who joins VOICES becomes part of something bigger than herself. This isn’t just another research study; it’s a movement to ensure Black women’s health experiences are heard, understood and addressed in ways that could save lives for generations to come.
Looking ahead: The impact of your participation
Imagine a future where Black women receive cancer diagnoses earlier, get more effective treatments and have better survival rates. That’s what VOICES is working toward. By participating in this study, you’re not just sharing your story; you’re helping write a new chapter in Black women’s health history.
The VOICES of Black Women study represents more than just research — it’s a powerful statement about the importance of Black women’s health experiences. With every survey completed, participants help build a more comprehensive understanding of how cancer affects Black women, potentially leading to better prevention strategies, more effective treatments, and ultimately, more lives saved.
By joining VOICES, you become part of a revolutionary movement to ensure Black women’s voices are heard in the medical community. Whether you’ve personally experienced cancer or simply want to make a difference, your participation matters. Together, we can create a future where all women have equal access to effective cancer prevention, treatment, and care.
