Sisters Network® Inc. Hosts 15th National African American Breast Cancer Conference In Detroit

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Oct 07, 2016, 09:00 ET

HOUSTON, Oct. 7, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Sisters Network^® Inc. (SNI), the only national African American breast cancer survivor-run organization in the United States today announced the 15^th National African American Breast Cancer Conference to be held October 21-23, 2016 at the Detroit Marriott Renaissance Center in Detroit, Michigan. The three-day conference themed, "Awareness to Change" is generously supported by conference title sponsor, Henry Ford Health System.

Black women have the highest breast cancer death rate of any racial/ethnic group. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among African American women according to the latest data from the American Cancer Society. The incidence of breast cancer among women under 45 is higher for African American women compared to white women.

Honorary Conference Chairs are Lisa A. Newman, M.D., MPH, Director of the Breast Oncology Program and Medical Director for International Center for the Study of Breast cancer Subtype at Henry Ford Health System and Vernice Davis-Anthony, BSN, MPH, CEO, VDA Health Connect. Conference Chair is Karen E. Jackson, Founder/CEO, Sisters Network Inc. and Co-Chair, Mary Waters, President, Sisters Network Greater Metropolitan Detroit Chapter. Sponsors to date include, Henry Ford Health System, Title Sponsor, Eisai, Genentech, Brothers Helping Sisters, Delta, Allergan, Novartis, Comprehensive Cancer Center University of Michigan Health System, Pfizer, Celgene, The Allergan Foundation and Amgen.

The exciting 3-day national conference hosted during National Breast Cancer Awareness month officially kicks-off on Friday, Oct. 21, with an opening reception at the Detroit Marriott Renaissance Center and presentation on "Why Breast Health Matters." Special guest Ezekiel Nana "Ziggy" Ansah from the Detroit Lions will also be in attendance. Conference presentations and workshops include:

Breast Health Matters
Triple Negative
Management of Metastatic Breast Cancer
Breast Cancer Survivor Issues
Living with Lymphedema
Fertility Preservation for Breast Cancer Patients
Coping with Fear of Recurrence

Registration is $150.00 and on-site registration is $200.00. To register, please visit www.sistersnetworkinc.org or call 1-866-781-1808.

"It's time for black women to wake up and take ownership of their health and be a part of the movement for change, Breast Health Matters," said Karen E. Jackson, Founder/CEO, Sisters Network^® Inc. "The goal of our national conference in Detroit is to not only be informative, but to also serve as call to action for African American women from around the nation to put their health first."

"African American women are more likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer at younger ages and with aggressive forms of the disease such as triple negative breast cancer, making this conference an incredibly important step to raising awareness among the women in our city," says Dr. Newman.

"Henry Ford is very proud to support a national conference of this caliber in Detroit that will bring together women in our community with breast cancer experts to learn first-hand about their risk, the importance of earlier detection and vast treatment options available to them."

Cancer Care at Henry Ford Health System

Henry Ford Health System cares for more than 14,000 cancer patients every year from every state and continent. Our cancer doctors specialize in all types of cancer, including rare and complex cases. The breadth and depth of technologies and treatments pioneered and used routinely by our cancer specialists ensures patients access to the best care. We offer 24-hour-a-day nurse coordinators and patient concierge services. Learn more: www.HenryFord.com/Cancer

Sisters Network^® Inc.

Sisters Network^® Inc. founded in 1994 by two-time breast cancer survivor Karen E. Jackson, is a leading voice and only national African American breast cancer survivorship organization in the United States. Sisters Network is governed by an elected Board of Directors and assisted by an appointed medical advisory committee. Membership includes over 40 survivor- run affiliate chapters in 22 states nationwide. The organization's purpose is to save lives and provide a broader scope of knowledge that addresses the breast cancer survivorship crisis affecting African American women around the country.

SOURCE Sisters Network, Inc.