Specifically, black men have experienced the largest relative decline in cancer mortality from 1991 to 2022 overall (49%), and in almost every 10-year age group, by as much as 65%-67% in those aged 40-59 years. However, during the most recent five years, Black men had a 16% higher mortality rate than White men despite only a 4% higher incidence, and Black women had a 10% higher mortality rate than White women despite a 9% lower incidence. These larger disparities in mortality compared to incidence reflect two-fold higher death rates for prostate, uterine corpus, and stomach cancers, and for myeloma, as well as 40%-50% higher rates for colorectal, breast, cervical, and liver cancers. The causes of these ongoing disparities are multifactorial, but largely stem from inequities in the social determinants of health rooted in structural racism. Increasing diversity in clinical trials, enhancing provider education, and implementing financial incentives to ensure equitable care across the cancer care continuum are critical to closing these gaps.

Brain tumor patients are often misunderstood, and African American women face unique experiences and barriers in their journeys. The stories of African American women with brain tumors are essential, offering valuable realities and insights. I had the privilege of connecting with six remarkable African American women: Veronika Briggs, Esq., Whitney Wright, RN, Constance Withers, Mary Mwangi, and Angee Adams. Their stories are powerful, vulnerable, and vital to increasing understanding of brain tumors. This introduction sets the stage for sharing their journeys.