Cancer Support Community San Francisco Bay Area (CSC) published a report today on the impact of health inequities in supportive cancer care for Black/African-American cancer patients. This report is part of CSC’s strategic efforts to better reach and serve under-resourced communities and improve health equity in cancer care.
“Cancer has a disproportionate impact in Black/African-American communities. That’s why our Board is committed to publishing this report. We hope to add new insights to the existing body of research and to build enthusiasm and commitment among other Bay Area organizations, so together we might all work to bring critical support to all corners of our communities impacted by cancer,” explains Donald Duggan, President, CSC Board of Directors.
The report survey showed that more than three-quarters of the patients have expressed concerns related to pain and physical discomfort, body image and appearance, treatment decisions, exercise and being physically active. Caregiver respondents overwhelmingly expressed concern with changes in the patient’s memory or thinking, eating and nutrition, treatment decisions, and coordinating medical care for the patient. Even with a small sample size, this consistency of experience signifies that caregivers take on many emotional and practical burdens that can cause stress and concern for both the patient and the caregiver.
This report grew out of a desire by CSC to understand how they can better support the needs of Black/African-American cancer patients and their families. In both Alameda and Contra Costa Counties, Black/African-American cancer incidence is much higher than California overall. The findings from this report, combined with other existing research, can provide guidance for program design, program delivery, and improved outreach to communities of color and under-resourced communities.
“We know that Black/African-American communities have higher incidence of cancer, shorter survival times, and higher mortality rates. As the number of people diagnosed with cancer increases every year, health inequities in care creates a public health crisis that not only affects a single community but society at large. CSC is committed to working collaboratively with other organizations to address health disparities so all cancer patients in our community get the support they need to improve their treatment outcomes and quality of life,” explains Rob Tufel, MSW, MPH, CSC Chief Executive Officer.
As part of their initiative to provide more programs specific to under-served and Black/African-American communities, Cancer Support Community is hosting free presentations with local medical professionals of color on the Black Cancer Patient’s Journey. The next virtual presentation is “Understanding Cancer Risks in the Black Community” on November 9 with Dr. Patience Odele, breast surgeon with Kaiser Permanente. Registration is free, click here to sign-up.