OUR COLUMNS

African American women who have survived cancer gathered at the Lutheran Church of Our Savior on Oct. 11 not just for support – but for the annual lunch celebration sponsored by the church and the Bayview Imani Breast Cancer Support Group. It was a day to greet old friends, enjoy good food, and be inspired by speeches from Pastor Evered Cohen the Rev. Carolyn Ransom-Scott.

The OMI breast cancer group meets the third Thursday of the month, from 11 a.m.– noon. The group takes on different projects – murals, paintings and placemats – some of which were on display at the church. But their primary task is supporting one another and the newly diagnosed, said Barbara Tate, program director at the church. “When we hear of someone who’s been newly diagnosed, we try to visit and talk with them. We go with them to the doctor if they want us to do that. We listen to their story and tell our own. Whatever the person wants, we’re available.”

Though African-American and white women are diagnosed with breast cancer at roughly the same rate, the former  are 42 percent more likely to die from the disease. There seem to be several reasons for this: African-American women are more likely to be diagnosed at later stages of the disease, experiencing delays in treatment. They are also more likely to be diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer, an aggressive subtype. If you are looking for support or want more information, call Tate at 415-586-7890.