Houston Faith Leaders Join Forces to Raise Awareness About Breast Cancer Fatalities Among African American Women

August 16, 2017

Houston Faith Leaders Join Forces to Raise Awareness About Breast Cancer Fatalities Among African American Women

Ashley Turner and Chris Noble of The Rose Houston at First Pastors Summit Spring of 2016

Houston, TX August 10, 2017—According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among African American women due to factors such as late diagnosis and long intervals between mammograms. Of even more concern is the fact that the mortality rate from breast cancer is 40% higher in African American women than Caucasina.

Awareness and access are key to impact these alarming statistics and the reason behind The Rose’s Annual Pastors and Community Summit.

The Summit is a collaborative event inviting faith leaders and the public to come together and learn how they can help change breast cancer outcomes for women of color. It will be held on August 31, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, in the 3rd Floor Conference Room of The Rose Galleria. The address is 5420 West Loop South, Bellaire, TX 77401.

Houston faith leaders— including pastors, First Ladies, and health ministry representatives—will learn effective ways to promote breast healthcare among churchgoers and share success stories.

“Out of the 845 uninsured African American patients we served last year, 23 were diagnosed with breast cancer and the youngest patient was just 38 years old,” said Dorothy Gibbons, CEO and Co-founder of The Rose. “Events like this help us reach more women and remind them that someone is on their side.”

The mission of The Rose is to save lives through quality breast health services, advocacy, and access to care for all. The Annual Pastors and Community Summit will be held in partnership with several Community Supporters including: Bee Busy Wellness Center, Body of Faith, Dee Coleman/State Farm, The Fort Bend Church, Garden Oaks Church of Christ, Greater Grace Outreach Church, the Greater Houston African American Chamber of Commerce, Houston Health Museum, Houston Museum of African American Culture, MD Anderson Cancer Center, and New Beginning Church.

To schedule a media interview with any member of our board, please contact Lis Harper at 281-846-5976 or email [email protected]. For more information, or to donate or volunteer, please visit www.therose.org.

About The Rose
Since 1986, The Rose has provided high quality breast healthcare to all women, regardless of their ability to pay. Its mission is to save lives through quality breast health services, advocacy and access to care for all. As a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence, The Rose is led by Fellowship trained physicians and offers advanced digital technology including 3-D tomosynthesis mammography, diagnostic workups, biopsies and its nationally recognized Patient Navigation Program ensures access to treatment and a continuum of care for all women. As a major part of Southeast Texas’ Healthcare Safety Net, The Rose is a strong advocate for quality breast healthcare and access to care. The Rose provides direct medical services to 40,000 insured and uninsured patients annually. Two Houston-based comprehensive Diagnostic Centers and Mobile Mammography Coaches provide services to women throughout 43 counties in Southeast Texas.