Black History Month & Beyond: Protecting Our Legacy with CAN’TCER Prevention
Image by StockSnap from Pixabay – Intended to use for Black History and Cancer Prevention Month
February isn’t just about heart-shaped chocolates and roses—it’s “our” time. Black History Month and Cancer Prevention Month are fused to celebrate our strength, honor our powerful stories, and protect our future. We’ve come way too far to let cancer steal from our community, so rally up your crew, and let’s address this thing head-on.
If we’re honest, most of us have encountered it in some way—maybe you’ve lost a loved one, maybe you’ve supported a friend through it, or maybe you’re the one in this fight. While we can’t control everything, we can take charge of what we put in/on our bodies, how we care for ourselves, and how we show up from one another. Like our girl Beyoncé said, “Imma survivor” And we want every Black and Brown face in our community singing that same victory anthem.
So let’s take action, and stand in the gap for one another. Let’s kick CAN’T-CER!
The Hard Truth About CAN’T-CER in Our Community
Don’t let these stats scare you—but please, let them wake us up: It’s not about fear, it’s about empowerment. When we know better, we do better.
- 1 in 3 Black men and women will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime.
- Black women are 41% more likely to die from breast cancer than white women.
- We’re also twice as likely to develop triple-negative breast cancer —a more aggressive form.
- Black men face a 44% higher risk of dying from colorectal CAN’T-CER than white men.
These stats aren’t just numbers – they reflect our mothers, fathers, sisters, children and loved ones. And let’s be clear: we deserve better. Better healthcare, better access, better outcomes. It’s time to demand what’s ours and take control of our health – let’s focus on prevention because our lives depend on it.
5 Ways to Protect Your Health & Kick CAN’T-CER
Our wellness is worth the work. We pour into everyone else, our families, our friends, and our community—now it’s time to pour into ourselves. Taking care of our health isn’t just self-care, it’s survival.
1. Know Your Family History
Because knowledge is power. Ask your aunties, uncles, parents, and grandparents about their health history. Knowing this information can be a game changer. When you know your family history and understand your risks, you and your healthcare team can build a screening plan that fits you and your family history.
2. Get Screened—Even If You Feel Fine
How many times have you told yourself “I’m good!” Don’t feel bad. I’ve said that too. But we can’t keep skipping out on our doctor appointments. Early detection saves lives—period.
Check out these “Take Action” tips:
- Are you 40+? Well, it’s that time—schedule your breast screening appointment. Don’t put it off. Early detection can be a lifesaver.
- Family history of breast cancer? Listen up—if your mother, sister, or grandmother was diagnosed with breast cancer, your screening needs to start earlier. Talk to your doctor about what’s best for you.The golden rule? Start 10 years before the age they were diagnosed.
Example: If your mother was diagnosed at 45, you should start screening at 35. Don’t wait—talk to your doctor and make a plan that’s right for you.
- Are you 45+? Friend, I am talking to you. It’s time to get that colon checked – you know, that colonoscopy you’ve been running from. Stop playing around and book the appointment. Your health is way too important to ignore. And no, you are not too young to be diagnosed with cancer.
- Friend, don’t wait it out. If something doesn’t feel right, please trust your body and get checked. No delays, no excuses—make that appointment NOW. …. no, I mean right now!
3. Eat Foods That’s Kickin’ CAN’T-CER
We can still enjoy soul food—just tweak it a bit. Even Big Mama’s collard greens can get a healthy remix!
Try This:
- Swap out the red and processed meats for more plant-based meals, leafy greens, and whole grains.
- Check out our Food 4 Life Cooking Classes for recipe ideas that not only taste good but are good for you.
Here’s a sample recipe that you can try!
Cashew Ginger Stir Fry
(Serves 2-4)
Ingredients:
3 tablespoons sesame oil
1 medium red onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped
A tablespoon of minced fresh ginger
1 red bell pepper, cored, seeded, and chopped
1 head broccoli, chopped (florets only)
¼ cup cashew pieces
1 tablespoon tamari or low-sodium soy sauce
Dash cayenne
1 tablespoon Thai curry paste (optional)
Instructions:
Heat the sesame oil in a skillet. Add the onion, garlic, ginger, and red pepper and sauté until soft, 2-3 minutes. Remove these vegetables from the oil and set aside. Using the same oil, turn up the heat and add the broccoli to the hot oil. Stir-fry for about 10 minutes. Reduce heat, add the vegetables back in and add remaining ingredients. Stir and let sit covered on low heat for another 5 minutes. Serve over brown rice or whole-grain pasta.
Recipe by Tracye McQuirter, MPH, from her book By Any Greens Necessary. Access a copy here at: Any Greens Necessary
4. Move Your Body—On Your Terms
Whether you’re two-stepping to some Mary J. Blige while cleaning the house or doing a quick stretch session before bed, movement matters.
When was the last time you got up and moved your body? Try some of these activities:
- A 30-min walk daily
- Dance breaks in the living room.
- Stretch while binge-watching your favorite show.
These activities may look simple but these will surely have a positive effect on your body. These can boost your immunity, help lose excess body fat and maintain a healthy weight, improve your cardiovascular health, and even reduce stress and tension.
5. Speak Up & Advocate for Your Health
We’ve seen too many sisters dismissed by doctors. Well, not today. Not on our watch. If something isn’t right, push for the tests, the answers, and the second opinion.
If you need help, reach out to us. We will be happy to help.
- Don’t take “no” for an answer.
- Seek a second opinion if you feel unheard.
- You deserve quality care—always.
Get Tied to the Cause
At My Style Matters, we don’t just talk the talk—we walk the walk. We’re here providing education, resources, and real support to help Black and Brown communities fight CAN’T-CER head-on.
Join our mission—when you donate, advocate, or even just share this message, you’re helping a sister (or brother) out. On Black History Month, be one with our cause.
Final Thoughts
When we talk about preventing CAN’T-CER, we’re talking about saving our legacy—for ourselves, our children, and the ones we love.
This Black History and Cancer Prevention Month, let’s stand in formation! Let’s keep each other informed, empowered, and uplifted. Because no sista walks this journey alone, we’re all in this fight together. Let’s keep pushing, keep dancing, and keep claiming our power. We’ve got this.