"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."

Cancer

Meeting Cancer
-with Knowledge and Care

Facts on Cancer

  • There are several risk factors that increase a person's chance of being diagnosed with cancer. These factors fall under two categories-modifiable and non-modifiable.
  • Modifiable factors are those that we can alter if we choose to make changes in our lifestyle. Examples include using tobacco products, drinking excessive amounts of alcohol, consuming foods that are high in fats and low in fiber, and failing to be physically active.
  • Non-modifiable factors are those that we cannot change. Examples include age, sex, race and genetic predisposition.
  • African Americans have the highest death rates for all cancers combined.
  • The most commonly diagnosed cancers among African American women are cancers of the breast, colon and rectum, and lung and bronchus.
  • The most commonly diagnosed cancers among African American men are cancers of the prostate, colon and rectum, and lung and bronchus.
  • For both male and female African Americans, the number one cause of cancer death is lung cancer.
  • African American women diagnosed with breast cancer are more likely to have larger, more advanced stages of tumors that are difficult to treat and have lower survival rates.