The American Cancer Society has launched a groundbreaking study called VOICES of Black Women, focusing on the high rates of cancer and cancer-related deaths among Black women. This study aims to enroll 100,000 Black women without cancer, aged 25 to 55, in Washington, D.C., and 20 states where most Black American women reside. These participants will be surveyed twice a year about their behaviors, environmental exposures, and life experiences, and will be followed for 30 years to track any cancer development.
Unlike previous studies that included large numbers of Black women, the VOICES study will specifically focus on identifying the factors driving cancer prevalence and deaths in this population. Dr. Alpa Patel, senior vice president of population science at the American Cancer Society, emphasized that previous general population studies did not delve deeply into the unique aspects of understanding what contributes to cancer in specific populations, such as discrimination, bias, systematic issues, environmental influences, and cultural aspects of health-related behaviors.
The goal of this study is to uncover the specific drivers of cancer in Black women and provide critical insights that can lead to targeted interventions and prevention strategies. By gathering detailed information on the lived experiences of Black women, researchers hope to address the disparities in cancer outcomes and improve overall health outcomes within this community.
Overall, the VOICES of Black Women study represents a significant step towards understanding and addressing the disproportionate burden of cancer faced by Black women. Through long-term research and data collection, this initiative has the potential to make a meaningful impact on cancer prevention and treatment strategies tailored to the unique needs of this population.