Cancer
Screenings

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While all cancers can be life-changing, this website focuses on breast, cervical, colorectal, and prostate cancers because they have screening tests available. Screenings are tests that can detect cancer before one can see it or feel it, making it easier to treat. The best-known defenses against cancer are maintaining a healthy weight; regular, moderate exercise for at least 30 minutes 5 times a week, not smoking, and early detection through screening. African American/Black communities are among groups at higher risks for these cancers with more aggressive, faster-growing cancers at younger ages. 

The good news is cancers may be easier to treat when caught early.It's more important than ever to learn about your family's cancer history: who had it, what type of cancer, how old they were, and what happened to them. This information will allow you and your doctor to create a screening plan that’s right for you. Learn more about why African Americans/Black persons are at higher risk for colorectal (colon or rectum) cancer, breast cancer, cervical cancer, and prostate cancer.
Cancer screenings are an important way to protect the health of you and your family.

  • Colorectal (Colon or Rectum) Cancer

    Rates of colorectal (colon or rectum) cancer are higher among African Americans/Black persons than among any other population group in the United States and the survival rates are lower. 

    Unhealthy diet (high in meats and animal fats while low in fruits and vegetables) and obesity may increase African Americans’/Black person’s risk of developing and dying from colon cancer. Also, genes and family habits may play a role in risk and survival. There are many possible reasons for the difference in survival rates between African Americans/Black persons and other populations.

    African Americans/Black persons are: 
    • Less likely to have regular screenings for colorectal cancer
    • Less likely to be diagnosed in the early stages when the cancer can be readily treated and even cured
    • Less likely to receive recommended treatment
    • More likely to receive a lower-quality colonoscopy
    • More likely to have treatment delays
    • More likely to be diagnosed with right-sided tumors, which have less favorable outcomes
    Reference: Cancer Facts & Figures for African American/Black People

  • Breast Cancer

    Women and men are at risk for breast cancer. Breast size doesn’t matter. The risk increases with age.

    African American/Black women are more likely than White women to be diagnosed with breast cancer under the age of 45, and less likely to survive. There are many possible reasons for the difference in survival rates. African American/Black women are: 
    • Less likely to have access to high-quality health care
    • Less likely to have screening at high-quality facility with the most current technology and also have a longer time between abnormal results and follow-up
    • More likely to be diagnosed at a younger age
    • More likely to be diagnosed with more advanced cancer
    • More likely to be diagnosed with aggressive cancer
    Reference: Cancer Facts & Figures for African American/Black People

  • Cervical Cancer

    African American/Black women are more likely to die of cervical cancer than any other racial or ethnic group. There are a few likely reasons for the difference in survival. African American/Black women are:
    • Less likely to get screened for cervical cancer
    • Less likely to have access to care and receipt of high-quality treatment
    • Less likely to receive recommended follow-up after a positive cervical cancer screening test
    • More likely to be diagnosed with more advanced cancer 
    HPV Vaccine and screening are the best ways to defend against and detect cervical cancer. The HPV vaccine is important because it protects against cancers caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Most people with HPV never develop symptoms or health problems. And, sometimes, HPV infections can cause certain cancers, including cervical cancer and other diseases.

    The vaccine, however, does not protect against all HPV types— so it will not prevent all cases of cervical cancer related to HPV, or cervical cancers that are notHPV-related. So, it is important for women to also continue getting screened for cervical cancer. 
    Reference: Cancer Facts & Figures for African American/Black People

  • Prostate Cancer

    African American/Black men have the highest rate of prostate cancer in the world and are more likely to die of the disease than any other group. Researchers still don’t know exactly why this is the case and have suggested that biology and genetics may play a role. The difference in African American/Black men’s survival rates from prostate cancer may also be the result of:
    • Less likely to get screened for prostate cancer
    • Less access to high-quality treatment
    • More likely to be diagnosed at a younger age
    • More likely to be diagnosed at later stages of the disease when there are fewer treatment options available
    • More likely to have aggressive cancer
    • More likely to receive substandard treatment
    References: National Library of Medicine, American Cancer Society
Get regular cancer screenings. If your doctor doesn’t talk to you about cancer screening, be sure to ask! 

Screening recommendations for prostate cancer: If you are aged 55 to 69 years, talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of the prostate cancer screening. An informed decision should be made with your doctor about whether being screened for prostate cancer is right for you. (Reference: US Preventive Services Task Force)

Screening recommendations for cervical cancer: ‍
  • ‍If you are age 21 to 29, get a Pap test every three years.
  • If you are age 30 to 65+, get a Pap test every three years or HPV testing alone or in combination with Pap test (co-testing) every five years.
‍ (References: American College of Obstetricians and US Preventive Services Task Force)

Screening recommendations for breast cancer: If you are age 40 to 65+, get a mammogram each year. From ages 50 to 74, talk with your doctor about screening every 2 years. If your doctor doesn’t talk to you about a mammogram, ask him or her. (Reference: American Cancer Society)

Screening recommendations for colorectal cancer: If you are age 45 to 75, get screened for colorectal cancer. Your doctor may suggest any one of these test options:
Direct visualization tests:
  • Colonoscopy
  • CT colonography
  • Flexible sigmoidoscopy

Direct visualization tests:
  • Fecal immunochemical test (FIT)
  • Guaiac-based fecal occult blood test (gFOBT)
  • Multi-targeted stool DNA test (FIT-DNA)
(Reference: US Preventive Services Task Force)
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It can be hard to find social services to help with your physical and emotional health. TakeAction is a social care network that connects people and programs – making it easy for you to find the social services you need in your community.

  • "I don’t have a doctor. I don’t know where to go."

    There are many online tools to help you find a nearby doctor or clinic that can screen for cancer.
    • The National Medical Association (NMA) represents African American/Black doctors and can help you find an African American/Black doctor in your area.
    • Most health insurance plans feature a “Find a Doctor” section on their website. Visit your insurance provider’s website to locate a doctor in your area.
    • The Association of Black Women Physicians can help you find a female African-American/Black doctor in your area. This nonprofit is an organized network of African-American/Black women physicians committed to the improvement of public health and welfare.
    • National Cancer Institute (1-800-4-CANCER)
    • American Cancer Society (1-800-227-2345)
    For Women:

  • "I'm not sure I can get to an appointment."

    Getting to your appointment can be hard, but don’t let this stopyou. Check your local transit authority for bus ortrain schedules. Mobile apps like Uber and Lyft can provide door-to-doorservice to and from your appointment for much less than a taxi. Or reach outfor help! You may be able to get a ride from a friend or family member.

  • "I'm worried I can't afford a mammogram."

    Mammograms have been covered by insurance since 2010 (when the Affordable Care Act passed). Depending on your insurance, you may be able to get your mammogram for free. You can find out by checking with your health plan or doctor. For low-income, uninsured, and underinsured women, there are other options:

  • "I'm scared it will hurt."

    Mammograms may be uncomfortable for some women for a short time because they press down on the breasts. Patients who are sensitive or worried about pain may want to schedule their mammogram a week after their menstrual period when the breasts are less tender.

  • "I don't want to know if something is wrong."

    Waiting for mammogram results can be stressful and weigh heavily on your mind. Talk with your friends, family, or doctor if you are very worried. Ask for support. The National Breast Cancer Foundation and other websites offer helpful tips for what to do when waiting for results. 

  • "I need help quitting smoking."

    You can find many free smoking cessation resources on the web like SmokeFree.gov or WebMD's Smoking Cessation Health Center. 
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