Developing Leaders

Breast Cancer Leadership Initiative

At the Imperative, we know that Black women have not fully benefited from the advances made in breast cancer research and the development of new screening and treatment technologies.  It is our mission to raise questions, seek understanding, and call attention to what is happening with Black women.  

Through our Breast Cancer Leadership Initiative, we work to make eliminate breast cancer disparities among young Black women a national public health priority. We do this by engaging women and organizations in:

• Building leadership in communities to address breast cancer disparities.
• Engaging women across the country through surveys and focus groups and listening to the issues and concerns of Black women related to breast cancer.
• Engaging researchers, clinicians, educators, and survivors in ongoing dialogue to identify strategies for reducing breast health disparities.
• Working collectively in coalitions at the national and local levels to raise awareness of breast cancer issues for Black women.
• Educating women on the importance of early detection and timely diagnosis.
• Promoting routine breast self-exams (BSE), clinical breast exams (CBE) and mammograms.
• Advocating for screening guidelines that are responsive to the health and needs of Black women.
• Advocating for increased access to the latest screening tools and improved diagnosis and treatment services.
• Advocating and supporting policies and practices that call for early education and screening among younger women.