METAvivor Research and Support Announces Support for the Black Community
METAvivor fully supports the recent global movement bringing increased attention to the racial injustices involving the Black community. We stand resolute with Black patients, supporters, family, friends, and allies.
This week, in lieu of our typical content and in support of the Black community, METAvivor believes strongly that it is essential for us to share important information and resources about organizations dedicated to the specific challenges Black women and men with metastatic breast cancer are facing. While our mission will always be funding the latest, cutting-edge metastatic breast cancer research, we also have a strong commitment to social justice, while promoting inclusion and equity for Black women and men, specifically within the breast cancer community. There is systemic racial discrimination, especially in the health care system and it is evidenced by national statistics that support racial disparities in metastatic breast cancer.
METAvivor commits to:
1. sign and fully support the Tigerlily Foundation Inclusion Pledge
2. add to METAvivor's inclusion of Black people in leadership positions within
METAvivor; including adding two Black people to our Board of Directors and creating a new liaison to the Black metastatic breast cancer patient community
3. create programming specially targeted to metastatic Black women and men
4. seek funding to provide educational conferences for metastatic Black women and men
5. fund research that addresses racial disparities in metastatic breast cancer medical treatment
Inclusion Pledge:
https://www.tigerlilyfoundation.org/diversity-and-inclusion-pledge-for-women-of-color
Resources for Black people living with metastatic breast cancer:
https://bwhi.org/
https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/understanding/disparities
http://pressroom.cancer.org/releases?item=908
www.tigerlilyfoundation.org
www.sistersnetworkinc.org
instagram/@forthebreastofus
https://angelindisguiseinc.org
www.metavivor.org
About Metastatic Breast Cancer
Metastatic breast cancer also known as stage IV or advanced breast cancer, occurs when the cancer has spread from the breast to other parts of the body. This usually includes the lungs, liver, bones or brain. 114 women and men die each day from metastatic breast cancer. There is no cure for metastatic breast cancer although there are treatments and therapies for those living with the disease.
Racial Disparities in Breast Cancer
The overall rate of breast cancer is similar for black and white women, although black women are 42 percent more likely to die from the disease. Other disparities for black women compared with white women include a higher rate of breast cancer before age 40, a greater likelihood of being diagnosed at a late stage and an increased risk of having triple-negative breast cancer, which tends to be more aggressive.
About METAvivor
METAvivor Research and Support Inc. is an Annapolis-based, 501(c)(3), volunteer-led, non-profit organization founded by metastatic breast cancer (MBC) patients in 2009. METAvivor’s main focus is to fund critical research that will lead to advances in treatment options, quality of life and survival for patients diagnosed with MBC. METAvivor has awarded 106 research grants totaling $13.6 million. METAvivor is the only national organization with a peer-reviewed grant program aimed at exclusively funding MBC research, and 100% of all donations go to fund research.
METAvivor also raises awareness of MBC, provides support for people living with the terminal disease, and offers opportunities for others to help make a difference for the metastatic community. METAvivor has gained a rapidly growing following within the breast cancer community and has become a leader in in metastatic breast cancer research.
