In Memphis, studies show that African-American women with breast cancer are more than twice as likely to die from breast cancer as Caucasian women. It’s the city with the highest disparity in survival rates in the United States amongst the top 50 metropolitan areas – and that gap is increasing.
However, the Memphis Breast Cancer Consortium has developed a campaign to create awareness and provide information about available resources for African-American women.
“Sister Pact” is a community education campaign that asks women to make a pact with a friend or family member that they will consult with their respective doctors about getting regular mammograms, and to hold one another accountable for making breast health a priority.
The Memphis Breast Cancer Consortium found a number of issues contributing to the disparity in breast cancer survival rates for African-American women in Memphis, including: delayed diagnosis, deferred treatment, financial barriers to accessing screening or treatment, and fear of going through the process alone.
Although Sister Pact does not provide mammograms or facilitate mammogram scheduling, the Sister Pact website and call center can point women in the right direction.
One resource that has proven to be helpful is the LIVE! Breast Cancer Summit, coordinated by the Baptist Cancer Center. The annual event is designed to unite, empower, and support African-American women who take charge of their breast health. The last summit was held on Feb. 6 at the Temple of Deliverance G.E. Patterson Family Life and Youth Center, and more than 700 attended the event.
For more information on Sister Pact, visit www.sisterpact.com or call 1-844-SIS-PACT.
