Cancer Disparities in Our Community

About one in three African Americans will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime, and studies show that Black men and women have the highest rate of death from cancer than any racial or ethnic group in the United States.

The American Cancer Society reports that more than 200,000 new cancer cases and more than 73,000 cancer deaths occurred among Black men and women in 2019. In fact, Black men and women are 40% more likely to die from breast cancer and colorectal cancer respectively than white men and women.

Why does cancer affect Black men and women differently? While everyone’s situation is different, some factors include access to quality health care and social and economic disparities. At UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, we are committed to building awareness around these disparities, as well as providing education, support, and access to high-quality cancer care and screenings for our diverse community to change outcomes for Black men and women, and their families.

Health Disparities

African Americans experience disparities when it comes to their overall health, not just cancer. Learn more about these disparities and what UPMC is doing to address them.

Contact Us

Our community outreach focus group – comprised of oncologists, psychiatrists, researchers, patient navigators, and community leaders – is here to help you throughout your cancer journey.

Our team can provide patients, caregivers, and their families information on and access assistance to cancer screenings and services, counseling information, coping tips and techniques for the mind, body, and spirit, and more.

Fill out the form below for more information or to talk to one of our experts.