Diversity

Thank you to the Diversity Committee Co-Chairs Denise Hill (Wayne County BCCCP) and Jill Plavcan (Ford), and their committee members for their tireless inclusion efforts.

Komen Detroit Race for the Cure® encourages everyone to participate in the Race, because all women - and some men - are at risk for breast cancer; and because the Race is a celebration of survivorship and the memory of those we have lost to this disease, and everyone is welcome at this celebration. Click here to register, donate and volunteer.

the crisis of disparities in breast cancer

Winning the fight against breast cancer is about much more than just curing a medical condition. It's about overcoming the cultural, social, educational and financial barriers that prevent people from getting screened and receiving life-saving treatment - right now. These barriers may partly explain why breast cancer death rates are so much higher in some groups of women, including some minorities; women living in poverty; and women in less-developed countries, where even the most basic healthcare is difficult or impossible to come by. But these barriers, or disparities, in breast healthcare and treatment are not limited to women of color or the poor; they impact younger women and elderly women, women in rural and inner-city communities, lesbians, women with disabilities and even men. You most likely fall into at least one group that is facing a breast cancer disparity.*

*State of Breast Cancer presented by Susan G. Komen for the Cure® 2007

If you are an
African American woman...you are less likely to develop breast cancer but more likely to die from the disease than women in other groups.

If you are a
Hispanic or Latina woman...you are more likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer at a more advanced - and deadlier - stage. Only 38 percent of Hispanic women age 40 and older have regular mammograms.

If you are an
Asian immigrant...language barriers may make it difficult for you to get screened or treated.

If you are a
Native American or Alaska native...you are less likely than women of any other ethnic group in the U.S. to be alive five years or longer after a breast cancer diagnosis. Only 37 percent of Native American women age 40 and older get regular mammograms.

If you live in a
rural community...you may have to travel long distances to find a screening facility or a clinic for treatment.

If you are
uninsured...you are less likely to be screened for breast cancer, and your risk of dying from the disease increases by 30 to 50 percent.

If you are a
lesbian or bisexual woman...negative experiences with the healthcare system may discourage you from seeking routine medical care, reducing your chances of finding breast cancer in its early, more treatable stages.

If you are
under age 40...and are at high risk for breast cancer, you are less likely to benefit from screening technology compared to older women because your breast tissue may be denser, making mammography less effective.

If you are
over age 70...you are less likely to receive the best available treatment.

If you are a
man...you are less likely to think it's breast cancer if you find a lump in your breast, and you may be diagnosed late.

If you are
disabled...you are less likely to be offered breast-conserving surgery instead of a mastectomy. You also may have mammograms less often than you should because screening facilities may not accommodate your disability.

KOMEN DETROIT RACE FOR THE CURE® GRANT PROGRAM

Komen Detroit Race for the Cure®, along with those who generously support us with their talent, time and resources, is working to improve the lives of those facing breast cancer in our community. We join more than 100,000 breast cancer survivors and activists around the globe working to end breast cancer forever. Since the first Detroit Race in 1992, Komen Detroit has raised more than $15.4 million. Up to 75 percent of net funds generated by Komen Detroit Race for the Cure® stays in the local area supporting breast health and breast cancer awareness projects serving Wayne, Oakland and Macomb countries while the remaining income goes to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Award and Research Grant Programs supporting research, awards and educational and scientific programs around the world. Click here to view the current Komen Detroit Race for the Cure® grants.

While the incidence of breast cancer in the State of Michigan tends to be moderate, there are significant differences between racial groups. Caucasians have an incidence rate of 127.54 with 65.4% of cases being stage I. African Americans on the other hand have an incidence rate of 96.38, which is much lower than that of whites. However, the rate is the second highest in the United States and more cases are diagnosed as late stage (13.9% versus 7.5% for Caucasians). This is a recurring theme as it relates to breast cancer and racial differences. Whites have higher incidence rates, but minorities, especially African Americans, are more likely have late stage diagnoses.

Susan G. Komen for the Cure launched the Circle of Promise campaign to engage African-Americans in its mission to end breast cancer forever by fostering increased awareness, support, empowerment and action. African-American women have the highest death rate and poorest survival rate of any other racial or ethnic group for breast cancer. In an effort to rewrite the story of African American women and breast cancer, Komen has pledged to decrease the mortality of African-Americans from breast cancer by increasing awareness of the risk of breast cancer, reducing pervasive myths in the community, encouraging breast self awareness leading to early detection and treatment and mobilizing the community to collectively fight for access to quality care for all. Click here to join the Circle of Promise.

BREAST AND CERVICAL CANCER CONTROL PROGRAM (BCCCP)

Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in women in the U.S., and the leading single cause of death overall in women between the ages of 40 and 55. While advances have been made in prevention, diagnosis, treatment and cure, early detection still affords the best opportunity for successful treatment. Programs such as the BCCCP help ensure that all women have access to early detection information and options, even poor and medically underserved women.

If you are a woman 40-64 years of age without health insurance you may qualify for free breast and cervical screening. Each year you can receive:

• Clinical breast exam
• Mammogram
• Follow up tests
• If needed, cancer-related treatment

• Pap smear
• Pelvic exam
• Follow up tests
• if needed, any cancer-related treatment

For more Information call:
For Wayne County (888) 242-2702
For Oakland County (877) 221-6505
For Macomb County (586) 412-3384
Michigan Breast & Cervical Cancer Control Program

THE KOMEN DETROIT RACE FOR THE CURE®

Join as on May 22, 2010 at Comerica Park. You can register as an individual or a team. There are also plenty of volunteer jobs, before, during or after the Race. For more information, visit our home page.

Click here for a registration form in Spanish.

Click here for a registration form in Arabic.

To help everyone feel welcome, Arabic and Spanish translators are available Race day in the Survivor Café and Children's Area.

There will also be an ASL signer on stage throughout the day.

EDUCATE AND EMPOWER YOURSELF

Purchase with a purpose to end breast cancer. Visit the Susan G. Komen for a Cure® Promise Shop. Komen wear, educational material, note cards and more. Your purchase will support our promise to save lives and end breast cancer forever.

FURTHER RESOURCES

The Sisters Network
National LGBT Cancer Network
Susan G. Komen for the Cure®
ACCESS

Rev. 04-14-2010