October is more than just pink ribbons and awareness campaigns, it’s a powerful reminder of the lives impacted by breast cancer and the urgent need to close the health equity gap for Black women. At The Black Adult Society, we honor this month by uplifting stories of resilience, advocating for access, and spotlighting initiatives that center our community’s health and healing.
One such initiative is VOICES of Black Women, a groundbreaking long-term study led by the American Cancer Society. This national effort aims to enroll at least 100,000 Black women between the ages of 25 and 55 who have never been diagnosed with cancer (except basal or squamous skin cancer). The goal? To better understand the lived experiences, environmental factors, and health conditions—including cancer—that shape our well-being.
This isn’t just research. It’s a movement. And it starts with your voice.
Why does this matters.
Black women are more likely to be diagnosed with aggressive forms of breast cancer and face higher mortality rates than any other racial or ethnic group. These disparities aren’t just medical—they’re systemic, rooted in decades of underrepresentation in research, limited access to care, and social determinants of health that often go unaddressed.
VOICES of Black Women is designed to change that. By collecting data directly from Black women across the country, researchers can uncover patterns, risks, and protective factors that have long been overlooked. This study centers our stories, our bodies, and our truths—because understanding our health starts with listening to us.
Who Can Join?
VOICES is currently enrolling:
Black women ages 25–55
Living in the United States
Who have never been diagnosed with cancer, except basal or squamous skin cancer
Whether you’re a mother, mentor, entrepreneur, artist, or advocate—your perspective matters. Every experience adds depth to the data and helps build a clearer picture of what health equity can truly look like.
What’s Involved?
Participation is simple and secure:
You’ll start with a confidential online survey (about one hour)
Then complete brief follow-ups twice a year
You may be invited to share additional insights over time, but all participation is voluntary
Every question is optional, and your privacy is protected
The surveys explore everything from lifestyle habits and stress levels to family history and community support. These insights help researchers understand how daily life impacts cancer risk and overall health.
Importantly, you don’t need to have a medical background or health expertise to participate. Your lived experience is the expertise. And your voice is the data.
And yes, your privacy matters.
We know that trust is earned. That’s why the American Cancer Society has implemented rigorous data protection protocols to ensure your personal information remains confidential. You can learn more about their privacy practices at voices.cancer.org.
Black Adult Society Members: Let’s Lead the Way
As Black adults 40+, we carry wisdom, resilience, and a legacy of advocacy. We’ve witnessed the impact of breast cancer in our families, our friendships, and our communities. Now, we have the opportunity to shape the future of cancer research—not just for ourselves, but for the generations coming behind us.
Imagine the power of 100,000 Black women standing together, sharing their truths, and rewriting the narrative of health disparities. Imagine the ripple effect—more accurate research, better treatments, earlier detection, and culturally responsive care.
This is our moment to lead, to be counted, to be heard.
At The Black Adult Society, we believe in the power of community-led change. VOICES of Black Women aligns with our mission to uplift, connect, and empower Black adults through meaningful engagement and strategic action. We encourage our members to not only participate but to spread the word—share the link, start the conversation, and invite others to join.
Whether you’re a caregiver, a survivor, or someone simply committed to health justice, your voice matters. Let’s make October a month of action, not just awareness.
Enroll today, visit voices.cancer.org to learn more and sign up. It takes just one hour to begin making a lifetime of impact. Together we rise, together we heal and together, we change lives.
