Knowledge is Strength: Combatting Ovarian Cancer Together
Our Mission: To support the growth and health of Black women through education access and health awareness.
There’s no lack of evidence that Black women face barriers in the American health care system. Black women are disproportionately affected by heart disease, high blood pressure, and maternal mortality. The racial disparities are also evident when a Black woman is diagnosed with ovarian cancer. One in 78 women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer in her lifetime, yet there is no routine screening test like a Pap smear or mammogram for this cancer. When detected at Stage I, the five-year survival rate for ovarian cancer is 90%. However, if detected at Stage IV, the survival rate drops to 17%. Black women are less likely to receive accurate diagnoses or necessary hormone treatments for gynecological cancers, increasing their likelihood of succumbing to the disease.
The Oshun Charitable Organization aims to raise ovarian cancer awareness for all women and educate about the health disparities that disproportionately affect Black women. For women currently battling this devastating disease, with Oshun, you are not alone in your fight. We host quarterly brunches, book club meetings and send support to women throughout their journey to remission. For the remainder of our work, our approach is rooted in education and advocacy. We believe that providing critical health information in accessible places such as churches, community centers, and hair salons can save lives. However, we recognize that information alone is not enough. There needs to be a diagnostic test for ovarian cancer and a greater effort within the medical community to identify the symptoms of gynecological cancers. With your support, we can work towards preventing late-stage diagnoses of ovarian cancer.
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The Founding Board, The Oshun Charitable Organization