Diversity MBA Magazine - Fall 2008 - (Page 90)

Women Of Color And Cancer: The Chicago Phenomenon By Dr. Elizabeth Marcus Disturbing fact: Nationally, African-American women diagnosed with breast cancer are 38% percent more likely to die from it, compared to their White counterparts. Even more disturbing fact: In Chicago, AfricanAmerican women are dying from breast cancer at a 116% higher rate, or three times the national average. That figure, released by Sinai Urban Health Institute in 2006, set off alarm bells throughout Chicago. While Chicago breast-cancer death rates were similar in 1980, a change occurred in 1996, when rates for Caucasian women fell. That same year, African-American women’s’ rates worsened. Over the next decade, the difference between the two groups became more and more pronounced, with the most recent data from 2005 showing the 116% difference. Why The Gap? One possible explanation is genetics; tumors in Black vs. white women are more virulent. But if that were the only answer, the Chicago figures should have mirrored other large urban areas with genetically comparable residents. That wasn’t the case, however. In New York, a city with a similar population, the difference in death rates between African-American and Caucasian women was only 11% percent during the same time period. Clearly, there had to be other factors at work. In March 2007, Chicago healthcare professionals, advocates, and community leaders called a summit to examine the problem and propose solutions, with three possible explanations explored -- that African-American women did not 1) have the same access to mammographies; 2) get the same quality of mammograms; and 3) receive the same quality of treatment. Over the next six months, three action groups were assembled to study each possible explanation for the disparity. More than 100 individuals 90 w w w. d ive r s it y mb a ma g a z in e. c o m http://www.diversitymbamagazine.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Diversity MBA Magazine - Fall 2008

Diversity MBA Magazine - Fall 2008 Contents Letters to the Editor In Your Own Hands Editor's View Business Briefs Off the Shelf Diversity MBA 2008 Awards Gala and Leadership Forum "Diversity Next Practices" Illusion of Inclusion Good Is Not Enough Revisiting Your Personal Brand Discover Your Power Voice Authentic Leadership In An Ever-Changing Marketplace Stopping the Brain Drain: How Companies Can Keep Talented People of Color Corporate Succession Planning - How Do You Fit In? How To Manage Virtual Teams Beyond Demographics Recruit, Recognize, Retain, Reinvest – Winning the Talent Acquisition Game Leave Ego at the Door Modernizing Supplier Diversity Taking the Leadership High Road… When You Can Find It Think Boardroom Bound; It’s Happening Who's Who In Diversity Fail to Succeed 4-Star Start-Up, Chris Ward: Character Above All Get Them at Hello – Tips to Improve Your Marketing Kit Sonny Vu, Entrepreneur A World at Your Fingertips Big Brother Wants Your Bank Account Stepping Off The Corporate Ladder HR Focus with Monica Ross A Unique New England Vacation Bold Caballeros y Noble Bandidas Women of Color and Cancer: The Chicago Phenomenon Being Single Isn't Easy International MBAs Flock To U.S. Schools Smart Strategy Gadgets+Gizmos Advertiser's Index

Diversity MBA Magazine - Fall 2008

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