The American Cancer Society, in partnership with the Carolina Panthers, has awarded the local NFL Breast Health Equity CHANGE grant to Gaston Family Health Services, to address disparities in breast cancer mortality by providing greater access to breast cancer screening, follow-up of abnormal mammograms and timely access to specialty care if needed. The grant funding was made possible through ACS’s partnership with the NFL and the league’s Crucial Catch campaign.
The grants are the latest in ACS’s Community Health Advocates implementation of the Nationwide Grants for Empowerment and Equity (CHANGE) program, which provides funding opportunities as part of ACS’s commitment to reduce disparities in cancer mortality.
Gaston Family Health Services will receive $100,000 over two years. The grants are focused primarily on African-American communities, but also target other underserved populations.
Breast cancer mortality has steadily declined over the last four decades, largely due to improvements in early detection and treatment. However, not all women have benefited equally from this progress.
A faster drop in the mortality rate among white women has widened the gap between white and black women. Despite similar rates of disease and screening rates, breast cancer death rates in 2015 were 39 percent higher for black women than for white women in the nation, and up to 60 percent higher in some states.
Access to timely follow-up and high-quality treatment are key drivers of these disparities, especially in underserved communities. Differences in stage of cancer diagnosis, tumor characteristics, obesity and other comorbidities are also contributing factors.
“We are fortunate to have a strong and successful partnership with the National Football League on this campaign to draw attention to early detection and the importance of breast cancer screening exams for underserved women,” says Megan Wessel, cancer control vice president, American Cancer Society. “This grant will get us one step closer to reducing disparities and promoting health equity across the Carolinas.”
“Gaston Family Health Services is delighted to be chosen for the NFL Breast Health Equity grant,” says Lavondia Alexander, director of quality and clinical informatics. “The poor and medically underserved have challenges receiving recommended cancer screenings.”
Since the program’s inception, the NFL, the Carolina Panthers and ACS have partnered to support the efforts of the community grants.
“We all know the best defense is a good offense, and the Carolina Panthers are pleased to partner with the American Cancer Society to provide important funding for cancer prevention and education efforts in the Carolinas through Crucial Catch,” said Riley Fields, Carolina Panthers director of community relations.
“Most importantly, the community grant being awarded to Gaston Family Health Services servicing Catawba, Davidson, Forsyth, Gaston, Iredell, and Lincoln counties will focus on underinsured and uninsured individuals receiving lifesaving preventative breast cancer screenings.”
Since 2009, the NFL’s Crucial Catch has raised more than $18 million in support of ACS. These new grants will improve timely access to follow-up care along, with a continued focus on access to high-quality breast cancer screening for underserved women.
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