Black Outreach Subcommittee for Screening (BOSS) Taskforce
Black Americans are at higher risk for colorectal cancer than other racial or ethnic groups in the U.S. We can do better, and BOSS is leading the way.
About BOSS
The taskforce is a critical support to address the disparate impact of CRC in the Black community by increasing awareness and improving access to screening and supportive solutions, both during and after diagnosis.
Increasing screening, access, and advocacy
BOSS efforts touch every aspect of a patient's path with colorectal cancer, with an ultimate goal of preventing it in the first place.
Challenges in Black communities
Black colorectal cancer patients often face unique barriers delaying their care. BOSS aims to increase colorectal screenings among Black individuals by addressing these disparities.
Efforts supporting the Alliance
BOSS has led awareness campaigns, fundraised for research, advocated for under-resourced communities, and provided support.
Future commitment
BOSS and the Alliance plan to collaborate with various stakeholders to boost screenings by creating a sustainable program to detect potential undiagnosed cancers.
Why Do Disparities Exist?
Disparities in colorectal screenings within the Black community exist for a few reasons.
American Cancer Society reported that “40 percent of the racial disparity in colon cancer survival is due to the combined effects of the later stage at diagnosis, more unfavorable tumor characteristics, and more comorbidities among black patients” (Lai et al, 2016).
Additional reasons include:
- Differences in access to early detection and receipt of timely, high-quality treatment.
- Systemic racism reduces access to care and contributes to mistrust of the healthcare system.
- Implicit bias among healthcare workers that affect providers’ understanding, actions, and decisions impacting delivery of preventive care and treatment.
- Comorbidities that are more prevalent among this population.
- Modifiable factors that disproportionately affect Black communities and increase risk for CRC.
The Future of Screenings Must Be Equitable & Inclusive
The Alliance is intentionally applying a health equity lens in its approach to improve colorectal screening rates of Black individuals. We partner with those closest to the challenge to identify equitable solutions. Our goal is to save lives and drive lasting impact.
Our members truly define a ‘BOSS’
BOSS members are passionate about raising CRC awareness in Black communities. Members can engage in local, regional, and national events, in addition to leadership opportunities.
BOSS members
- Pamela Allen
- Herman Anderson
- Manoucheka Attime
- Yolanda Austin
- Carlos Banks
- Roddy Belford
- Lance Bilbrew
- Charles Bindah
- Timphony Blakney-Brown
- Sylvia Browning
- Haleema Burton
- Dr. Lisette Caesar
- Angela Caraway
- Tamara Carruthers
- Paula Chambers
- Jazmyn Charles
- Donna Clayton
- Walter Crawley
- Tamika Dash
- Kisha Davis
- Yvette Davis-Atkins
- Charmica Epps
- Phalon Ervin
- Christyna Ferrell
- Vivian Gary
- Ulanda Green
- Nathaniel Haynesworth
- Tiffany Hickman
- Ifeoma Ike
- Raymond Jackson
- Sharon Johnson
- Kecia Johnson
- Bennie Jones
- Brian Jones
- Tonya Lacy
- Shannon Lee-Sin
- Xavier Murray
- Nishay Nelson
- James Parker
- Isom Ramsey
- Debra Ramsey
- Tia Reed
- Allison Reed-Woodley-Tyehimba
- Sharon Rivera Sanchez
- Carolyn Rivers
- DaShonda Saulsberry
- Jenna Scott
- Ms. Millicent Simpson
- Dr. Joan Smith
- Nathalie St Jacques
- Adrienne Stearns
- Ms. Sabah Sumo
- Asia Thomas
- Alexis Thrower
- Ms. Mary Ann Tidwell Broussard
- Deondre Williams
- Antoinette Williams
The BOSS Taskforce Leaders
Dr. Lisette Caesar
Paula Chambers
Tamika Dash
Christyna Ferrell
Kecia Johnson
Shannon Lee-Sin
Tia Reed
Dashonda Saulsberry
Jenna Scott
Deondre Williams
Top resources
Legislation introduced to address young-onset CRC
Explore the urgent need for the Colorectal Cancer Early Detection Act (HR 7714), legislation aimed at combating the rising incidence of colorectal cancer among younger adults through enhanced screening, education, and research.
EPIC Act to Advance New CRC Therapies Needs Support
The EPIC Act would encourage investment in clinical trials for additional uses of existing drugs.
Cousins to Rev Down Route 66 for a Reason
In a remarkable blend of adventure and advocacy, cousins John, Mitch, and Mike are gearing up for a cross-country charity journey along Route 66. Their mission? To raise awareness and support for two important causes: cystic fibrosis and colorectal cancer.