Progress Over Flowers This Mother’s Day

This Mother’s Day, Samantha McCoy is looking for more than just the usual flowers. She’s looking for change.

The Johnston County mother is part of the pioneering VOICES of Black Women Study, a significant initiative in North Carolina.

“I’ve always wanted to contribute to something that helps, especially for my kids,” McCoy shared. “I have daughters, and I want them to grow up in a world where they never hear the words, ‘You have cancer.’”

The VOICES study, conducted by the American Cancer Society (ACS), seeks to understand why Black women face higher mortality rates from cancer and often experience more aggressive types of the disease. It’s the largest study of this kind in U.S. history, aiming to follow 100,000 women aged 25-55, without prior cancer histories, over the next 40 years.

“Black women haven’t had many chances to share their experiences in the medical field,” noted cancer epidemiologist Lauren McCullough. “We really wanted to amplify their voices.”

McCullough, one of the co-principal investigators, explained that the name VOICES has layered meanings.

“In the African American community, storytelling and music have always been vital for sharing knowledge,” McCullough explained. “It’s a key aspect of our culture.”

Participants complete two 30-minute questionnaires each year.

The surveys cover various topics—from medical visits and diagnoses to income and family life.

“We thought having a mixed methods approach—combining numbers and qualitative responses—would help us really decode what the data reveals,” McCullough said.

The study also delves into stress and anxiety levels, recognizing the strong connection between emotional and physical health.

“On airplanes, they always say to put your own oxygen mask on first before helping others,” McCoy said. “As women, we often forget to prioritize our own well-being before we take care of our families.”

McCullough emphasized that the survey aims to highlight underexplored relationships between societal influences and health outcomes related to cancer.

“What sets VOICES apart from prior studies is our awareness of social and structural challenges,” McCullough remarked. “We’re addressing potentially uncomfortable topics, including experiences with discrimination and wealth disparities.”

Currently, ACS data shows that nearly 3,500 women have signed up for the study nationwide, with less than 200 from North Carolina.

Women from all 50 states and D.C. are encouraged to enroll online.

McCoy hopes her participation will motivate other mothers to join the initiative, aiming to protect her three daughters: Carolyn, Deion, and Madison.

“Getting involved is straightforward. If you’re on social media, you can spare the time,” McCoy added. “Let’s commit to this research, put in the effort, and work together to find a cure.”

She concluded, “Any study that can simplify access to treatment and advance our understanding, regardless of age, income, or race—count me in.”

In North Carolina, projections indicate that about 71,320 new cancer cases will be diagnosed this year, with roughly 20,910 deaths, according to the ACS.

The most common cancers among women are breast, lung, and colorectal, while prostate, lung, and colorectal cancers are most significant for men.

The ACS also notes that lung cancer claims more lives in North Carolina than any other type of cancer.