The problem: lung cancer in African American/Black communities

In the United States, certain counties and neighborhoods exhibit disproportionately higher incidence and mortality rates of lung cancer among African American/Black individuals compared to non-Hispanic White individuals. This highlights a critical health disparity that warrants attention and action. However, our understanding of these disparities remains limited, with few studies investigating them from the perspective of community members and leaders.

Engaging with these communities is essential to identify local barriers to healthcare access, understand cultural factors influencing health behaviors, and develop effective, tailored strategies to reduce disparities in lung cancer outcomes.

The READY-Lung study

The READY-Lung study aims to target areas characterized by pronounced disparities in lung cancer incidence and mortality rates between African American/Black individuals and non-Hispanic White individuals. Through strategic collaboration with community partners and stakeholders, our primary objective is to assess the readiness of these communities to address and mitigate the disparities in lung cancer outcomes.

Our project seeks to enhance awareness surrounding lung cancer risks, promote early detection measures, and improve access to healthcare services within these specific regions. By engaging directly with impacted communities, the READY-Lung study endeavors to develop tailored interventions that empower communities to take proactive steps toward reducing the burden of lung cancer.  

The study is comprised of 3 phases:

The study launched in Broward County, Florida, and will expand to other counties with notable lung cancer outcome disparities. Each phase engages key stakeholders and community partners to reduce disparities and promote health equity.

READY-Lung’s Broward County partners

Special thanks to the following Broward County stakeholders for their active participation in identifying ideas and initiatives to address lung cancer disparities in Broward County:

• Black Men’s Health  
• City of Lauderhill  
• CLT Business Solution  
• Gilda’s Club South Florida  
• MAC Pharmacy Consulting  
• Memorial Cancer Institute  
• Nova Southeastern University Area Health Education Centers  
• South Florida Caribbean Conference  
• Southeast Region HOPE Ministry  
• Syneos Health  
• Tigerlily Foundation  
• Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, part of UHealth – University of Miami Health System  
• Urban League of Broward County  
• Villages at NorthStar  
• YMCA of South Florida