‘Know Your Girls’ ads raise breast cancer awareness for black women
May 23, 2018, 4:51 AM
PHOENIX — A new campaign that raises awareness about breast cancer targets black women, who are at a higher risk of dying from breast cancer than white women.
The campaign is called “Know Your Girls.” Susan G. Komen teamed up with the National Ad Council to launch it on Tuesday.
Across the United States, black women are 40 percent more likely to die from breast cancer than white women. In Arizona, the rate is lower at 33 percent.
“All women are at risk of breast cancer, but sadly we know black women are dying more,” said Shyrea Thompson, senior director for strategic initiatives at the Susan G Komen. “So we’ve got to change the way we approach this.”
She said there are several reasons why black women are dying at a higher rate than white women. One reason is black women get diagnosed at a younger age and with more aggressive types of breast cancers.
Also, black women experience more barriers to treatment, including not having health insurance or having health insurance but not knowing how to use it.
Thompson said the campaign focuses on educating black women about their risk for breast cancer and encouraging them to have an informed conversation with their doctors. She said taking these steps “can really help save your life.”
As part of the campaign, several TV, radio and print ads will direct women to the “Know Your Girls” campaign website to learn about breast health. The website features resources that help women navigate breast cancer risk factors, recognize changes in their own breasts and be prepared to have a conversation with their doctor.
The campaign also creates a space online where black women can openly talk about their breast health.
“This is an innovative campaign to reach black women where they are and empower them,” Thompson said. “It’s not to tell them they’re doing something wrong, but to talk to them like our sisters and come together to be part of the solution.”
