Understanding why 1,000 voices can change the future of cancer equity for communities of color.
1,000 Voices for Cancer Equity™ is a national listening campaign created by United Colors of Cancer to collect real stories, experiences, and perspectives from BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers across the United States. The campaign uses a structured survey to capture the barriers, challenges, and triumphs experienced by communities of color navigating cancer.
United Colors of Cancer recognized a critical gap: the lived experiences of BIPOC cancer patients are largely absent from the data that drives research, policy, and healthcare decisions. Without this data, the systems meant to serve these communities continue to fall short. This campaign was designed to fill that gap by going directly to the community and listening first.
Responses from this campaign will directly inform the inaugural State of BIPOC Cancer™ Report — a first-of-its-kind publication that benchmarks the cancer experiences of communities of color. The data will be used to identify systemic barriers, highlight disparities, and recommend evidence-based interventions at the local, state, and national levels.
September 24, 2026, is World Cancer Research Day — a global observance dedicated to the role of research in advancing cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. United Colors of Cancer chose this date to amplify the message that community voices ARE research, and that the experiences of BIPOC patients must be at the center of any effort to achieve cancer equity.
By September 24, 2026, United Colors of Cancer aims to collect 1,000 voices to establish the first national benchmark of BIPOC cancer experiences. After World Cancer Research Day, the survey will remain open through December 31, 2026, allowing additional voices to strengthen the inaugural State of BIPOC Cancer™ Report. The extended period ensures that every community, including those harder to reach, has the opportunity to contribute their experience.