For generations, Black women have carried the weight of our communities on their backs, navigating systems that were never designed to protect us, let alone heal us. The fight for health equity—particularly in the face of cancer disparities—has been a long and lonely road. But now, a groundbreaking initiative is finally stepping up to center our stories, our pain, and most importantly, our resilience.
The American Cancer Society’s VOICES of Black Women™ study is a bold declaration that Black women are not statistics—we are warriors, and this is our fight.
Launched to enroll over 100,000 Black women across the nation, including right here in Missouri, VOICES stands as a transformative step toward addressing the systemic neglect that has long plagued our communities.
Missouri’s Black women face the harsh reality that we are 40% more likely to die from breast cancer than our white counterparts, despite breast cancer being the most commonly diagnosed cancer among all women in the state. The urgency of this initiative cannot be overstated.
From Kansas City to St. Louis, the echoes of neglect are loud—but through VOICES, Black women will finally be heard, empowered to shape their own health outcomes.
Led by renowned researchers Dr. Alpa Patel and Dr. Lauren McCullough, this study is a collaborative effort that lifts up the lived experiences of Black women—mothers, sisters, daughters—whose health has too often been overlooked. Their voices will now guide the future of cancer prevention and treatment, ensuring that no more of our stories end in silent suffering.
“VOICES of Black Women® represents a crucial step towards achieving health equity in a population that is long overdue,” said Patel, co-principal investigator of the study and senior vice president of population science at the American Cancer Society.
“The data we’ve uncovered through previous population studies has been critical in reducing the unacceptably high burden of cancer, but that reduction has sadly not been equal. By centering Black women’s voices and experiences, we can dig deeper in uncovering the unique challenges and barriers contributing to cancer disparities and develop tailored interventions to mitigate them.”
The VOICES study launched in 2023, starting in Atlanta, GA, and Hampton Roads, VA. Now, it’s time to take this movement nationwide, and we’re bringing it right here to Kansas City and across Missouri. This isn’t just another clinical study—it’s a way for Black women to share their stories, their truths, and shape a future where our health and survival are prioritized.
Who Can Join the VOICES of Black Women?
Eligible participants, aged 25 to 55, are invited to lend their voices to this monumental effort. Through a secure online portal, participants will share their experiences, offering invaluable insights that will directly inform future cancer prevention and treatment strategies.
To be eligible, you must:
- Be Black, biologically female and/or self-identify as a woman
- Live in one of the study enrollment states or the District of Columbia
- Have no history of cancer (except basal or squamous cell skin cancer)
- Be between the ages of 25 and 55
What Does Enrollment Look Like?
Enrollment is simple and entirely online. The initial sign-up process involves a short registration and questionnaire, taking no more than 20 minutes. This is followed by a more in-depth baseline survey, which takes approximately 60-90 minutes. But don’t worry—this survey can be completed at your own pace. You can return to it as needed, and all responses will remain confidential and secure.
The American Cancer Society is clear in its belief: everyone should have a fair and just opportunity to prevent, find, treat, and survive cancer. Fulfilling this vision means focusing on eliminating the deeply entrenched barriers that have long caused unequal outcomes for Black women. The VOICES of Black Women® study isn’t just a step toward achieving this—it’s a powerful stride forward, embodying the Society’s unwavering commitment to health equity and social justice.
For too long, systemic barriers have denied Black women the equitable cancer care we deserve. VOICES is not just a study—it’s a powerful call to action. It’s the American Cancer Society’s affirmation that our voices matter, our stories deserve to be heard, and our health is worth fighting for.
For more information on how to participate in the VOICES of Black Women® study, please visit voices.cancer.org.