Why Paint It Pink

Recent news on breast cancer diagnosis and treatment have been reassuring. However two groups continue to be of concern: young women and African American Women. According to a recent M.D. Anderson study, race plays a significant part in survival rates. Although African-American women have a lower incidence rate of breast cancer than Caucasian women, they have a higher incidence among young women under the age of 50 and a higher mortality rate. In part, this disparity is a result of African-American women having less access to healthcare and screening, increased incidence of more aggressive cancers, differences in treatment options and their socioeconomic status.

In 2005, recognizing the needs of underserved communities, YSC launched a diversity program to help ensure that young women in all communities affected by breast cancer have access to the information and support they need. Paint It Pink, an event created and produced by Art off the Main: The African, Caribbean & Latin American Art Fair brings together the art community and advocates to focus attention to the issues that affect young women of color and to raise vital funds for YSC’s Diversity Program.

   FACT SHEET ON YOUNG WOMEN AND BREAST CANCER
   FACT SHEET ON AFRICAN AMERICAN WOMEN AND BREAST CANCER