AFRICAN AMERICAN BREAST CANCER ALLIANCE

Our Mission: Building awareness, networking, resources and support for Black women, men, families and communities impacted by breast cancer.

African American Breast Cancer Alliance (AABCA) founded in 1990, began with nine black women discussing their experiences with breast cancer. At the time of their diagnosis and recoveries, they were unable to find resources and support about breast cancer for African American women. They also found that breast cancer and the “Big C” were not discussed in their families or communities. The deaths, fear, myths, poor outcomes, and taboos about cancer affected their actions, their lives and the lives of their family members and friends.

They realized the available information and messages about breast cancer did not acknowledge or promote concerns for black women. Nor were the barriers, cultural needs, historical medical trauma and treatment side effects they were experiencing. The fact is breast cancer is on the rise among black women of all ages. To address these problems, they met with the goal to create a culturally specific, easy-to-understand breast cancer brochure, provide a safe space where black women could connect, share and support each other. AABCA continues to expand its educational efforts with materials available for community awareness activities around the US.

From its inception, AABCA is committed to sharing crucial and life affirming information about breast cancer to Black women that have the highest mortality rate in the U.S. and promote the benefits of early detection and treatment. AABCA provides emotional and social support for breast cancer patients and survivors to help them have better recovery experiences as they cope with this disease.

AABCA is recognized locally and nationally for its collaborative efforts and innovative educational materials. “Being There” has been our motto from the beginning and has expanded into “Share, Support, Survive” as our outreach efforts grow.

AABCA has expanded its support group and services to black women with other types of cancer so they know they are not alone in their cancer journey.

Information about AABCA can be found at www.aabcainc.org