I am honoured to have been invited to be the keynote speaker at the April 14th “Sowing the Seeds of Hope Fundraising Gala” for The Olive Branch of Hope (TOBOH). For over 20 years, TOBOH has worked to support cancer survivors. The Toronto-based organization was launched in part to help reduce/eliminate the health disparities within Black communities because women of African Ancestry are at a higher risk of breast cancer. In 2019, breast cancer replaced lung cancer as the leading cause of death by cancer, among Black women, according to an article published by the American Cancer Society. Studies have shown that women of African descent have a higher rate of breast cancer among women younger than 45. Overall, Black women do not have the highest rate of diagnoses of breast cancer globally, but they do have one of the highest mortality rates. In the United States alone, it is reported that African American women have a 31% breast cancer mortality rate, which is the highest of all other races and ethnicities.
Research has revealed that there are disparities that exist between the diagnosis, treatment, and levels of mortality of breast cancer in Black women. These disparities include genetics, lack of accessible treatment options, and lack of financial preparedness for long-term health issues in Black women when compared to women of other races. With many excellent programs and supports, TOBOH is a ray of hope for many women surviving or diagnosed with breast cancer.
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President at Full Scale Productions
3moCongrats on an inspiring event. #AtriumHealthFoundation #AtriumHealth #KeepPounding #LevineChildren #CarolinaPanthers #RodgersBuilders