Each year, February 4th marks World Cancer Day—a global reminder of the ongoing battle against cancer, but also a call to action. The theme for 2025-2027, United by Unique, emphasizes a people-centered approach to cancer care. It reminds us that each individual’s cancer journey is deeply personal, and we must tailor care to the unique needs of each person to achieve better health outcomes. This approach isn’t just compassionate; it’s necessary.
Cancer remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide, claiming the lives of 10 million people annually. While these statistics are grim, they also serve as a wake-up call: over 40% of cancer-related deaths are preventable. Modifiable risk factors such as smoking, poor diet, alcohol use, and physical inactivity play a major role. Similarly,early detection through routine screenings can prevent nearly a third of all cancer deaths.
But the challenge isn’t just about prevention—it’s about ensuring that care is equitable and accessible, especially for communities that are most at risk.
In Washington, D.C., the cancer crisis is glaring. Ward 8, home to a predominantly Black community, has the highest cancer incidence rate in the city—453 cases per 100,000 people. To make matters worse, the cancer mortality rate here is nearly double that of Ward 3, reflecting the stark disparities in healthcare access. Comparatively, the overall U.S. cancer incidence rate is 440.5 per 100,000, and the national cancer mortality rate stands at 146.0 per 100,000. These figures highlight the disproportionate burden faced by Ward 8 residents, where cancer rates exceed national averages, further exacerbating existing healthcare inequities.
These numbers tell a painful story of systemic inequities. For many Black women in underserved communities, cancer care is a distant privilege, not an accessible right. Barriers such as inadequate access to screenings, limited treatment options, and a lack of survivor support prevent many from receiving the care they need. The result? Preventable deaths and unnecessary suffering.
Despite these challenges, there is hope. By prioritizing cancer prevention and early detection, we can change the trajectory. The focus must be on expanding access to screenings, educating communities, and securing sustainable funding for prevention programs. These efforts can reduce the cancer burden in high-risk populations, particularly for Black women living in underserved neighborhoods like Wards 7 and 8. In addition to that, many cancer patients and their families do not know about patient rights. Our community partner, Black Women Thriving East of the River, developed a “ Patient Bill of Rights” to educate community members on what they can ask for from their providers. For example, patients have the right to receive the best care, regardless of skin color, weight, or other factors. They are also entitled to help from patient navigators and community health workers, as well as support for the physical and emotional changes during treatment, and guidance on healthy behavior changes to reduce the chance of cancer recurrence.
We believe that cancer care should be a universal right, not a privilege. We are committed to building systems of care that prioritize early detection, expand access to screenings, and provide the support services that can save lives. By addressing cancer prevention and improving the accessibility of treatment, we can empower women to take proactive steps toward better health.
On this World Cancer Day, we urge you to take action. Let’s work together to create a future where cancer care is equitable, where every woman—no matter her background or zip code—has the resources to thrive. A future where prevention, early detection, and compassionate care are accessible to all. The fight against cancer is not just about medicine—it’s about people. Let’s unite to ensure that no one faces cancer alone.