Minority Cancer Awareness Month

April is Minority Cancer Awareness Month, and at Astera Cancer Care, we recognize the importance of this month in celebrating the progress made toward raising awareness about the various cancer diagnoses that disproportionately affect people from different racial and ethnic minority groups. We understand the critical role of addressing the social determinants of health that contribute to these cancer disparities and are committed to providing equitable and compassionate cancer care for all.

It is essential to acknowledge that minorities experience cancer disparities due to various factors such as biology, genetics, behavior, and social determinants of health. We understand that these factors can lead to increased cancer risk and obstacles to accessing quality care. For instance, African Americans face a higher cancer burden and greater obstacles in cancer care than other racial/ethnic groups, leading to a higher death rate and shorter survival times for most cancers. Black men are one and a half times more likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer and are more than twice as likely to die from the disease. Prostate cancer also has the highest level of diagnosis in Hispanic men.

Moreover, Black women are almost 50% more likely to die of breast cancer than White women, and both Black and Hispanic women have higher rates of cervical cancer than women of other ethnic groups, with Black women having the highest rates of death from the disease.

At Astera Cancer Care, we are committed to breaking down the barriers to cancer care that contribute to these disparities. We recognize that social determinants of health, such as lack of education, screening, and limited access to cancer treatment, also play a significant role. Therefore, we provide comprehensive, patient-centered care that addresses the unique challenges faced by minority groups in cancer prevention, detection, treatment, and survival.

This April, let us continue to raise awareness about the struggles that minority groups face in the cancer care world and renew our dedication to making cancer care equal for all. Let us celebrate the progress made while committing to further action toward achieving equity in cancer care. Together, as social workers and healthcare professionals, we can make a difference in the fight against cancer and ensure that every patient receives equitable and compassionate care.