Closing the Cancer Gap for Black Americans
Health ConditionsCancer

Closing the Cancer Gap for Black Americans

Higher mortality rates. Less access to care. Poorer quality of life. These are some of the realities Black Americans face when cancer care is not equitable.

Agents of Change

America’s “war on cancer” continues to make improvements in the screening, detection, and treatment of cancer, cutting overall mortality rates and enabling most people to survive longer and with a better quality of life.

Black Americans have not benefited equally from these advances. Cancer survival rates are lower for Black people than for white people for almost every type of cancer. Black men are 2 to 4 times more likely to die of prostate cancer than any other racial or ethnic group, for example. Black women are 40 percent more likely to die of breast cancer.

But there is reason for hope. Across the country, researchers, clinicians, patients, advocates, community leaders, and activists are working to circumvent or eliminate obstacles to care. Closing the Cancer Gap highlights those working to ensure that all benefit from the gains made in detecting and treating cancer while providing patients and families with the tools to navigate these obstacles.

Breast Cancer

Society has fragmented us into healthcare haves and have-nots.
— Olufunmilayo I. Olopade, MD

Breast Cancer Resources

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Learn MoreCancerSpotlight On: Trials of ColorFact-Checked on May 08, 2023Trials of Color educates the Black community on clinical trials in breast and colorectal cancer.Learn More

Colorectal Cancer

We must stop blaming patients for not prioritizing their care, especially when we know that providers don’t invest adequate time discussing prevention.
— Folasade May, MD, PhD
cancer-disparties-fact-colorectal-cancer

Gynecologic Cancers

As a society, we need to have tough conversations about access to quality care and collectively come up with solutions so that having a cancer diagnosis does not become a death sentence for the most vulnerable members of our society.
— Tomi Akinyemiju, PhD, Duke University School of Medicine
Learn MoreCancerThe Endometrial Cancer Action Network for African-AmericansMedically Reviewed by Tawee Tanvetyanon | September 04, 2025ECANA provides community support for Black women who have been diagnosed with endometrial cancer.Learn More

Head and Neck Cancer

Liver Cancer

Start AssessmentCancer TreatmentAre You Being Medically Gaslit in Your Cancer Treatment?Medically Reviewed by Walter Tsang, MD | August 17, 2023Here’s how to know if you’re experiencing it in your cancer care.Start Assessment

Lung Cancer

It’s not just historical abuses, but structural racism that’s made Black Americans reluctant to seek care.
— Carmen Guerra, MD
cancer-disparties-fact-lung-cancer

Renal Cancer

Skin Cancer

Chemotherapy-Related Hair Loss

Information and News

Take the QuizCancerDisparities in Cancer Care: Do You Know the Facts?Medically Reviewed by Walter Tsang, MD | May 23, 2023Being aware of healthcare disparities can help you reduce potential bias in your own care.Take the Quiz