Cancers occur when certain body cells don't function right, divide uncontrollably, and produce too much tissue, resulting in a tumor. Cancerous tumors then invade healthy, normal functioning cells. New cases of certain cancers occur more often in African American women, including colorectal cancer, pancreatic cancer, and lung cancer. The death rate from colorectal cancer and pancreatic cancer is higher among African American women than other racial groups. Overall, African American women are more likely to die from cancer than persons of any other racial and ethnic group. There is not enough information to figure out why African Americans bear this cancer burden. Some reasons may be poor access to health care, poverty, tumors found at a later (more advanced) stage, different belief systems, fear of talking about cancer, and lack of trust of the medical system.

Publications

1. Colorectal Cancer: Let's Break the Silence - Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. Many of these deaths can be prevented by screening and early detection. This brochure emphasizes the importance of colorectal cancer screening and explains medical terms patients might hear when talking about colorectal cancer with their doctors.

2. Colorectal Cancer: The Importance of Early Detection - This publication contains information on who is at risk for colorectal cancer, early detection, and guidelines for screening.

3. Frequently Asked Questions - Ovarian Cancer - This fact sheet provides answers to frequently asked questions about ovarian cancer, including symptoms, diagnosis, and possible prevention.

4. Screening for Cervical Cancer (PDQ®) Screening/Detection - Patients - The purpose of this summary is inform on the risk factors of cervical cancer and the effectiveness of common screening methods.

5. What You Need To Know About™ Cancer of the Cervix - This booklet will give you some important information about cancer of the cervix and about some conditions that may lead to this disease. You can read about prevention, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. This booklet also has information to help you deal with cancer of the cervix if it affects you or someone you know.

6. What You Need To Know About™ Cancer of the Pancreas - This booklet on pancreatic cancer discusses symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, emotional issues, and questions to ask the doctor. Includes glossary of terms and other resources.

7. What You Need To Know About™ Cancer of the Uterus - This booklet has information about the possible causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer of the uterus. It will help patients and their families and friends better understand and cope with this disease.

8. What You Need To Know About™ Lung Cancer - The diagnosis of lung cancer brings with it many questions and a need for clear, understandable answers. We hope this National Cancer Institute (NCI) booklet will help. It provides information about some causes and ways to prevent lung cancer, and it describes the symptoms, detection, diagnosis, and treatment of this disease. Having this important information can make it easier for patients and their families to handle the challenges they face.

Organizations

1. American Cancer Society

2. American Lung Association

3. Black Women's Health Online

4. Intercultural Cancer Council

5. National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program, NCCDPHP, CDC

6. National Cancer Institute, NIH, HHS

7. National Cervical Cancer Coalition (NCCC)

8. Office of Minority Health, OPHS, OS, HHS

9. Office on Women's Health, HHS

10. Ovarian Cancer National Alliance