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National Black Family Cancer Awareness Week: The Importance of Family History, Early Detection, and Equitable Access to Care

  • CGA-IGC
  • 7 hours ago
  • 4 min read

Dylane Wineland, MS, LCGC - Communications Committee Member


Each year, National Black Family Cancer Awareness Week is observed beginning on the Thursday before the Juneteenth holiday, highlighting the disproportionate impact that cancer has on Black families and communities.


This year's observance takes place June 18 through June 24 and serves as an opportunity to encourage conversations about family health history, promote cancer prevention and screening, and raise awareness about factors that may influence an individual's cancer risk.

Established by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's Oncology Center of Excellence in 2021, the initiative coincided with both the 50th anniversary of the National Cancer Act and the signing of Presidential Executive Order 13985, which focused on advancing racial equity and support for underserved communities. According to the FDA, the mission of National Black Family Cancer Awareness Week is "to increase cancer awareness, increase cancer equity, reduce morbidity and mortality, and prevent unnecessary cancer burden on families in the most vulnerable populations."¹


Open conversations about cancer history can be a powerful step toward earlier detection and prevention. Black Americans continue to experience higher death rates for several common cancers, including prostate, breast, colorectal, and lung cancers.² These disparities are shaped by many factors, including barriers to timely healthcare, differences in access to screening and treatment, underrepresentation in research, and the impact of social determinants of health. Conversations about family history, access to recommended screenings, informed healthcare decisions, and timely referrals can help individuals and families take a more proactive approach to their health.


Family History Matters

Family history is one of the most valuable tools we have for understanding cancer risk. Although most cancers occur sporadically, approximately 5 to 10 percent are thought to be related to an inherited genetic predisposition.3 Patterns such as multiple relatives with the same type of cancer, cancers diagnosed at younger ages than expected, individuals with more than one primary cancer, or known genetic mutations in the family can suggest the presence of a hereditary cancer syndrome. Recognizing these patterns begins with sharing information across generations. Asking relatives about their experiences with cancer can sometimes uncover information that changes a family’s cancer risk. A grandparent's early diagnosis, an aunt who had more than one type of cancer, or a cousin who underwent genetic testing may be pieces of a larger picture that help guide and personalize medical care.


However, family history is only one piece of the puzzle. Having relatives with cancer does not mean that developing cancer is inevitable. Likewise, having little or no known family history of cancer does not mean that someone is not at risk or can’t develop cancer. Still, sharing what you do know with your family members and healthcare providers can help inform more personalized decisions about your care.


National Black Family Cancer Awareness Week offers an opportunity to start these conversations. Many families have not discussed their health histories in detail, whether because information has been lost over time, certain topics are difficult to talk about, or relatives simply have not been asked. Even gathering small pieces of information can be meaningful. Consider asking family members:

  • What types of cancer have occurred in our family?

  • How old was each person when they were diagnosed?

  • Has anyone had more than one cancer diagnosis?

  • Has anyone undergone genetic testing for inherited cancer risk? If so, do they know the results?

  • Are there relatives whose medical histories we know little about and could learn more from?


These conversations may feel difficult, but they can provide valuable information that empowers individuals and families to advocate for their health. Sharing this information with your healthcare provider can help decide whether you may benefit from earlier or more cancer screening, referral for genetic counseling, and discussion about genetic testing.


Healthcare providers also play an important role. Updating family history should not be a one-time event. Family histories evolve over time as relatives age, new diagnoses occur, and more information becomes available. Taking a few moments to revisit these conversations during routine visits can help identify patients who may benefit from more personalized risk assessment and management.


Taking Action: Small Steps Can Make a Big Difference

National Black Family Cancer Awareness Week is not only about raising awareness. It is also an opportunity to take meaningful steps toward cancer prevention and early detection. Whether you are a patient, a family member, or a healthcare provider, small actions can have a lasting impact. Most importantly, these discussions have the potential to help entire families. A conversation started at the dinner table, during a holiday gathering, or with an older relative on the phone may uncover information that prompts someone to schedule a screening they had delayed, seek guidance about cancer risk, or share important health information with other family members.


The conversations we have today about family history, screening, and cancer risk can empower future generations to make informed decisions about their health. National Black Family Cancer Awareness Week serves as a reminder that meaningful conversations can lead to earlier detection, informed healthcare decisions, and better outcomes.


Looking for a place to start? The following resources can help individuals, families, and healthcare providers continue these conversations and access trusted information about cancer risk, screening, and prevention.

Resources


Sources:

  1. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Join Us in Recognizing National Black Family Cancer Awareness Week. https://www.fda.gov/news-events/fda-voices/join-us-recognizing-national-black-family-cancer-awareness-week 

  2. American Cancer Society. Cancer Facts & Figures for African American/Black People 2025–2027. https://www.cancer.org/research/cancer-facts-statistics/cancer-facts-figures-for-african-americans.html 

  3. National Cancer Institute. Genetics of Cancer. Approximately 5–10% of cancers are associated with inherited genetic variants. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/genetics

 
 
 

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