A study conducted by the National Cancer Institute found that African American women are more likely to die from breast cancer than Caucasian women, even though Caucasian women contract the disease at a much higher rate *(Chu et al., 1996).

The YWCA Boston reaches out to minority women across the city who are under- or uninsured and at greater risk for breast and cervical cancer. Thanks in part to support from the Boston Scientific Foundation, their Women's Health and Wellness program educates some 3,000 women every year about the importance of early breast and cervical cancer detection and facilitates mammograms and clinical breast exams. Providing preventative, as well as follow-up support for at-risk women is important, as their success depends on close collaboration with multiple community agencies and health centers in order to effectively reach those at-risk.

In addition, the YWCA Boston recently formed the Spirit Wise Sisters program, a unique support group for African American survivors of breast cancer.

Learn more about the YWCA Boston.