"As a young man, cancer was rarely more than a passing thought to me. Occasionally a friend, co-worker or relative would be diagnosed, but otherwise the disease seemed far away-until a routine screening changed everything. Thankfully, my doctor caught my cancer at an early stage. Together, we selected the best form of treatment, and today I'm living proof of the value of testing. When it comes to cancer, a few minutes of your time can make all the difference in the world."

Meeting Cancer
-with Knowledge and Care

Cancer

The mission of the African American Health Program is to help to eliminate health disparities in the Black population of Montgomery County, MD. Cancer is the second leading cause of death in America, exceeded only by heart disease. According to the CDC, in 2001 the death rate for cancer was 25.4 percent higher for African-Americans than for white Americans. Every year, cancer is diagnosed in more than a million people. Cancer is an uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells in the body. It is not one disease, but a group of more than 200 diseases. Some factors that lead to cancer can be controlled; others cannot. The AAHP provides important resources to help you understand this widespread disease, how to reduce your risk, and what it means when you or someone you love is diagnosed.