(May 18, 2016) Worship in Pink, a program of Susan G. Komen Oregon and SW Washington, involves churches of all denominations and community organizations. The program is now in its sixth year of educating the African American community about the importance of breast health and early detection of breast cancer. Volunteer Ambassadors participate in a Komen-led training before organizing Worship in Pink activities within their congregations during the month of October, which is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
“The statistics show the need for outreach and intervention in the African American community,” says Cindy Fletcher, director of programs at Susan G. Komen Oregon and SW Washington. “Nationally, breast cancer is the second most common cause of death in African American women, exceeded only by lung cancer. Locally, the current breast cancer screening rate for African American women is only 57%, compared to 76% in the general population. African American women also have a 42% risk of being diagnosed at a late stage, compared to 27% in the general population, which, coupled with the fact that pre-menopausal African American women appear to be at a particular risk of triple negative breast cancer, an aggressive type of breast cancer associated with shorter survival, makes early detection and screening that much more important. Worship in Pink activities, organized and led by local community members, are a wonderful way to relay that message.”
Dr. T. Allen Bethel, senior pastor at Maranatha Church and a Komen board member, added, “After my first Worship in Pink experience several years ago, my involvement and support continues to grow. I’m joining hands, heart, and feet with others in the fight against this silent killer of women, especially the lives of Black women and others.”
Attend an information session if your congregation would like more information on what is involved in hosting a Worship in Pink activity. Worship in Pink information sessions will be held in room 1035 at Legacy Emanuel Medical Center on Saturday, June 4, from 10-11:30 am and on Wednesday, June 8, from 6-7:30 pm. Register to attend by contacting Kathy Kendrix, Worship in Pink Planner, at 503-735-1475 or by emailing [email protected].
More information on Worship in Pink can be found at www.komenoregon.org/Worshipinpink.aspx.
About Susan G. Komen Oregon and SW Washington
In the last 25 years, the local organization has funneled nearly $19.8 million into programs that prioritize the importance of improving and building on the quality of life for survivors, emphasize the value of early detection and screenings, as well as financial assistance for access to treatment. Another $11.9 million has been directed, by the national organization, to local cutting edge research.
About Susan G. Komen
Susan G. Komen is the world’s largest breast cancer organization, funding more breast cancer research than any other nonprofit while providing real-time help to those facing the disease. Nationally, since its founding in 1982, Komen has funded $2.6 billion in funding to research, screening, education, treatment and psychosocial support programs serving millions of people in more than 30 countries worldwide. More information is available at KomenOregon.org.
