Cancer Prevention

Op-ed by Sonia Jordan, MA, Health Equity Manager, BCBSKS

Feb. 9, 2026

Every Kansan deserves the opportunity to live a long and healthy life. Yet the reality is that cancer is cutting too many lives short — especially among Black and Hispanic communities. While we honor the rich heritage of the Black community during the month of February, it’s important to also acknowledge what inequities still exist. At Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas, it’s a time for us to renew our commitment to the work that still needs to be done.

Data Tells the Story

Data from Kansas Health Matters shows that Black and Hispanic Kansans lose more years of potential life to cancer. In other words, our friends, neighbors and family members are dying far too young – before the statistical median age of death. National data echoes these inequities too.

According to the American Cancer Society, Black men have the highest rate of cancer, and they face disproportionately higher mortality rates from cancer. For Black women, breast cancer mortality is 40% higher, even though their likelihood of developing breast cancer is similar to other races. 

Screening and Early Detection Saves Lives

One of the most powerful tools we have against cancer is early detection, but not everyone has an equal chance of catching cancer early. 

• Research shows that Black women are less likely to get a mammogram. According to the Journal of the American College of Radiology, Black women are often diagnosed with breast cancer later and have more advanced tumors. 
• Black Americans are more likely to be diagnosed with breast, lung and colorectal cancers at later stages, when they are more difficult to treat, according to data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Despite advances in screening and treatment, survival after diagnosis remains lower for Black Americans across most cancer types. These inequities aren’t about biology — they’re about barriers. Black Americans are less likely to receive a recommendation for cancer screenings. Without that recommendation, individuals may not know they’re due for a screening — or that it could save their life. These health inequities are preventable, and prevention begins with awareness and action.

How Individuals and Communities Can Help 

• Prioritize routine screenings
  Screenings such as mammograms, colonoscopies and lung cancer scans can detect cancer early — when treatment is most effective. If you are due for a screening or don’t know when your next one should be, ask your health care provider. If you’re a provider, talk to your patients about screening. Your recommendation can make a difference.
• Know your risk factors
  Risk factors like family history can’t be changed, but many risk factors can be reduced. Quitting smoking, for example, is one of the most effective steps to reduce cancer risk. Even long‑time smokers can significantly lower their risk after quitting.
• Make healthy habits a priority
  Everyday choices that add up to a lifetime of better health include eating fruits and vegetables, limiting processed foods, staying active and maintaining a healthy weight. All contribute to reducing the risk of cancer too. 
• Encourage conversations
  Talk to loved ones about getting screened for cancer. Share reminders. Encourage and normalize preventive care. Community support saves lives.

Building a Healthier Future for All Kansans

We have the tools to close this health care gap: accessible screenings, timely care and preventive steps that empower people to take charge of their health. By supporting one another, raising awareness and making preventive care a priority, we can improve outcomes at both the individual and community levels, ensuring that every Kansan has a fair chance at a long and healthy life. That future is within reach. Now is the time to act.

At Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas, we value you, your culture and community. By improving outcomes at both the individual and community levels, we’re committed to pursuing a more accessible, inclusive and equitable system that helps everyone reach their full health potential.