American Cancer Society in SC seeking 1,000 participants for ‘Voices of Black Women’ cancer study

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – Tens of thousands of Americans are diagnosed with cancer each year, and while the death rate from cancer has declined over the past two decades in the United States, black women still die from cancer at higher rates than white women.

The American Cancer Society has launched the largest-ever study of cancer risk and outcomes for black women. The study promises to change and save lives.

It’s called the ‘Voice of Black Women Cancer Study’ and it’s a 30-year study that collects information from participants over time.

The idea is that 100,000 black women from 20 states – including South Carolina –  will biannually give information to the American Cancer Society to look at why there are cancer disparities in the U.S., and why black women are more likely than any other group of women to die of cancer.

The American Cancer Society hopes to get 1,000 women in South Carolina to agree to be part of this study. Women participants must be between ages 25-55 and have never had cancer.

Participants will work with researchers to share behavioral, environmental, and lived experiences through surveys that are taken at least twice a year – the goal of the surveys is to uncover day-to-day experiences affecting cancer risk.

But that study is a commitment and lasts roughly 30 years.

“Because lived experiences can change with time and it can take many years for cancer and other diseases to develop, we need to collect information over time. The more information you provide throughout the study the better we can understand the health of Black women,” the American Cancer Society explained.

There is no cost to participate. Those interested in joining the study or learning more about the program are encouraged to click here.