Cancer Resource Center for Black Americans

Collectively, black people have the highest death rate and shortest survival of any racial/ethnic group in the US for most cancers. Black men also have the highest cancer incidence rate. The causes of these inequalities are complex and reflect social and economic disparities and cultural differences that affect cancer risk, as well as differences in access to high-quality health care, more than biological differences. – American Cancer Society

Whether you or a loved one are worried about developing cancer, have just been diagnosed, are going through cancer treatment, or are trying to stay well after treatment, this resource center is dedicated to helping you find the answers and providing the resources you need.

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among black women, and an average of 33,000 new cases are diagnosed every year.

An average of 29,000 cases of prostate cancer are diagnosed among black men every year, accounting for 30% of all cancers diagnosed in this group. It is estimated that 1 in 7 black men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime.

An average of 25,000 cases of lung cancer are diagnosed among blacks every year. Lung cancer is the second most common cancer in both black men and women.

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in both black men and women. An average of 20,000 cases of colorectal cancer are diagnosed among black Americans every year. Blacks have the highest rates of colorectal cancer of any racial/ethnic group in the US.

An average of 7,000 new cases of multiple myeloma are diagnosed among Blacks every year. Myeloma is a cancer of immune system cells called plasma cells. Incidence rates for myeloma are 2.1 times higher in NH black men and 2.6 times higher in NH black women compared to NH white men and women