Why Cancer Health Equity?
ChicagoCHEC is a constellation of people, organizations, and communities working toward cancer health equity. We recognize the need for effective and innovative approaches to cancer research, training, education, and community engagement. ChicagoCHEC is in a unique and powerful position to bring the fruits of research findings into direct action that can make a difference in Chicago’s communities. We are strongly committed to creating opportunities to build a healthcare and research workforce that can lift health for all.
We believe that we all have a responsibility, a role to play, in making sure that all people have the opportunity to stay healthy and reach their full potential.
Cancer Health Statistics:
- Illinois has significantly higher cancer death rates than the national average across the board for nearly all cancers.
- Illinois ranks in the top 10 of all states for highest breast cancer death rates.
- Some communities are hit harder than others, as Chicago community areas that are low-income or predominantly African American or Latino face cancer death rates up to double the national average.
- Communities in the South and West sides of Chicago (areas that are predominantly African American and Latino) face Breast Cancer Mortality rates as high as 1.5 times the national rate.
- Asian communities in Chicago, including Chicago’s Chinatown community, have low cancer screening rates and have some of the highest liver cancer rates in the country.