Cancer doesn’t discriminate, but the system does. In Washington, D.C., cancer remains the second leading cause of death, and the burden isn’t shared equally. Black residents, particularly those in Wards 7 and 8, are disproportionately affected, facing higher cancer incidence and mortality rates than their white counterparts. The data is clear: where you live, your race, and your income can determine your chances of survival. But what if we told you it doesn’t have to be this way?
The DC Cancer Control Plan 2022-2026 is a comprehensive document and a call to action that outlines a bold strategy to close the health equity gap, focusing on prevention, early detection, access to quality treatment, and survivorship. It also highlights the undeniable role of social determinants of health— factors like income, housing, food access, and transportation— that create barriers to cancer care for the city’s most vulnerable populations.
The reality is stark: breast cancer mortality rates among Black women in D.C. are more than double than those of white women, with figures showing 36.3 deaths per 100,000 versus 15.1. Lung cancer incidence rates are nearly four times higher among Black residents in D.C. than white residents. Ward 8 residents, in particular, face the highest cancer mortality rates, a stark contrast to Ward 3, where outcomes are significantly better. These disparities are compounded by social determinants of health, which account for 80% of health outcomes. Yet, too often, policies fail to address these systemic barriers.
The solutions, however, are clear. To change the narrative, we must start by increasing prevention and early detection. Expanding education on the risk factors like obesity, smoking, alcohol use, and HPV can make a significant difference in preventing some kinds of cancers. Equally important is promoting equitable access to screening programs, such as Project WISH, which offers free mammograms and Pap Smear tests to uninsured women. Addressing barriers like transportation, restrictive clinic hours, and cultural stigma around cancer screenings is essential for making healthcare more accessible.Furthermore, improving access to quality treatment is critical, as research shows that Black residents often experience longer wait times between diagnosis and the initiation of treatment, which worsens outcomes.
Expanding patient navigation programs, which guide patients through the complexities of the healthcare system, is one step toward ensuring timely care. Jane Bancroft Robinson Foundation (JBRF)’s trust based approach to philanthropy allowed us to work directly with community members who range from generational residents to organizational leaders. We, along with Black Women Thriving East of the River (BWTEOTR), created a cancer patient navigation journey map, which highlights key touchpoints and barriers in the patient experience. This map serves as a valuable tool for healthcare providers and patient navigators, helping them improve care coordination and ensure Black patients receive timely, personalized support throughout their treatment journey. Additionally, strengthening culturally competent care by training healthcare providers to recognize and confront racial bias is essential to addressing disparities in treatment.
But the work doesn’t stop at diagnosis and treatment. Supporting cancer survivors and their families is equally vital. Investing in community-based survivorship programs that address not just physical recovery, but also mental health, financial strain, and long-term care needs, is a necessity. Palliative care access must be a part of the conversation to ensure quality of life for all, regardless of income or insurance status. Recognizing the intersection of chronic diseases, such as hypertension, diabetes, and obesity, with cancer is also crucial to a more holistic approach to care.
Through our workforce development initiatives, we ensure that more Black women enter and advance in healthcare careers, increasing representation in the medical field and fostering trust between providers and patients. We also partner with hospitals, community organizations, and policymakers to drive systemic change in healthcare access and quality. Our work aligns directly with the DC Cancer Control Plan’s call to action, ensuring that Black women in D.C. have access to the resources, screenings, and care they need to thrive. By amplifying community voices and advocating for policies that eliminate health disparities, we are reshaping the future of healthcare in our city.
At JBRF, we are committed to championing health equity for Black women in Washington, D.C., particularly East of the Anacostia River. But we also understand that advocating for systemic changes benefits everyone who resides in Wards 7 and 8 and beyond. That’s why we focus on supporting initiatives that break down systemic barriers in healthcare. Cancer care should never be determined by race or zip code.
The fight for equitable cancer care isn’t just about health; it’s about justice. We need policymakers to prioritize funding for cancer programs in underserved areas and for healthcare providers to address implicit bias in their treatment recommendations. We need you to share this message, advocate for equitable healthcare policies, and support organizations like JBRF that are working to bridge the gap.
Cancer may not discriminate, but we must ensure our healthcare system stops doing so. The fight for a cancer-free D.C. starts now. Are you in?
Learn more about our work at JBRFDC.org.