As we embark on National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Sisters Network® Inc. is proud to celebrate their 25th Anniversary as the only national African American Breast Cancer survivorship organization in the United States. Over the last 25 years, Sisters Network’s national leadership and affiliate chapter members have made a significant impact by remaining committed to the organization’s mission to increase attention to the devastating impact breast cancer has in the African American community.
According to the American Cancer Society, though black women get breast cancer at a slightly lower incidence rate than white women, black women are 42 percent more likely to die of the disease. Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among black women, and an estimated 33,840 new cases are expected to be diagnosed in 2019. This year, black women will make up 12.5 percent of all new breast cancer cases and 15.5 percent of all breast cancer deaths. Additionally, the overall 5-year relative survival rate for breast cancer diagnosed is 81 percent for black women versus 91 percent for their white counterparts. Black women younger than age 35 get breast cancer at two times the rate of white women while dying three times as often.
In honor of Sisters Network Inc.’s 25 years of service as a leader in the African American breast cancer awareness movement, the organization is celebrating this milestone anniversary with a fundraising campaign. Funds raised will be used to secure the necessary resources to support the organization’s outreach initiatives and breast health programs.
“Breast cancer is the most imperative health issue facing African American women,” said Karen Eubanks Jackson, founder and CEO. “I am proud of the 25-year impact Sisters Network has made nationally elevating breast cancer awareness in the African American community. As a 26-year and four-time breast cancer survivor, I remain committed to the fight against breast cancer. I know now, more than ever, the critical role Sisters Network continues to play in educating our sisters about the importance of early detection.”
According to Jackson, the anniversary fundraising initiative will support Sisters Network as the organization develops new, innovative breast health awareness programs to help save sisters’ lives. The goal is to stop the silence and talk about breast cancer in the African American community so we can beat the odds.
“Breast cancer does not need to be a death sentence. As we position our organization for the next decade, we at Sisters Network Inc. are focused on reducing the mortality rate of breast cancer among African American women,” said Ricki Fairley, vice president of strategic partnerships and national programs and an 8-year survivor of stage 3A triple negative breast cancer. “We must change these very disturbing statistics. We are raising funds to strengthen our efforts to educate and empower our community with information on the importance of early detection, to assist our sisters in treatment, and to advocate for research for more life-saving treatments and a cure.”
Sisters Network Inc. will continue to be the leading national voice for African American women in the fight against breast cancer, Jackson said.
Make donations to the silver anniversary campaign.
