HOUSTON – Thousands are expected to gather in Houston next month for a national breast cancer awareness event focused on addressing disparities impacting Black women.
The 16th annual Stop the Silence® National African American Breast Cancer 5K Walk/Run, hosted by Sisters Network® Inc., will take place April 18 at Tom Bass Regional Park. Organizers say the event brings together survivors, families and advocates from across the country to raise awareness and funding for early detection and support programs.
Sisters Network, founded in 1994 and headquartered in Houston, is the nation’s leading Black breast cancer survivorship organization, with chapters nationwide providing education, financial assistance and support.
“There’s a breast cancer crisis among Black women,” said Caleen Allen, executive vice president of Sisters Network. “We are dying more frequently and being diagnosed with more aggressive breast cancer.”
Health officials and advocates point to stark disparities. Black women are significantly more likely to die from breast cancer than white women, and younger Black women face even higher risks.
“If you really know the statistics, Black women who are under 35 are two times more likely to be diagnosed and three times more likely to die of breast cancer as compared to other ethnic groups,” Allen said.
Organizers say those disparities are part of what makes the Houston-based walk especially critical. The event is the only national breast cancer walk focused specifically on Black women and is held during National Minority Health Awareness Month.
More than 3,000 participants are expected to attend, many dressed in pink tutus and themed attire, in what organizers describe as both a celebration of survivorship and a call to action.
“It’s a day of celebration of survivorship and sisterhood,” Allen said. “But also raising funds so that our women in the community have access to the proper screening and care.”
Funds raised support the Karen E. Jackson Breast Cancer Assistance Program, which helps cover costs such as rent, utilities and mammograms for uninsured and underinsured women. Since its launch in 2006, the program has provided more than $2 million in financial assistance and early detection services.
Allen emphasized that early detection remains key, especially as more young women are being diagnosed.
“Early detection is not a slogan. It truly can save your life,” she said. “We want our young women to be more familiar with their bodies, know what doesn’t feel right and advocate for themselves.”
She added that many women may be turned away from screenings because of age guidelines, making self-advocacy critical.
“If they feel something that’s not right in their body, they need to advocate for themselves,” Allen said. “And if they don’t have a doctor who believes them, they need to go to someone else. You can’t not do anything.”
Experts say symptoms can include unusual lumps, nipple discharge or other changes, and should always be evaluated by a medical professional.
The 5K event is open to walkers and runners of all fitness levels, with organizers emphasizing community over competition.
“They can walk, their hair is not going to get sweated out, so come on out there and have a good time,” Allen said. “It’s more people walking than running, to be quite frank.”
Registration remains open through the day of the event, with proceeds going toward continued outreach, screenings and support services.
Organizers say the mission extends beyond the walk itself, aiming to empower women with knowledge, access and resources that could ultimately save lives.
“We’ve been out there sounding the alarm,” Allen said. “And we’re going to keep doing it.”
Click here to learn more: Sisters Network® Inc. : Sisters Network® Inc.