Hearing VOICES

By Dr. Tya Mathis-Coleman and Latoschka Nether

Las Vegas American Cancer Society Ambassadors celebrate Women’s History Month, launch groundbreaking study to support Black women.

The American Cancer Society (ACS) recently hosted a gathering of women and community leaders in Las Vegas to introduce VOICES, a collective commitment to understanding and improving the health of Black women across the nation. 

Designed to better understand the multi-level drivers of cancer incidence, mortality and resilience within this demographic, the long-term study will gather valuable data from Black women between the ages of 25 and 55 from diverse backgrounds and income levels who have not been diagnosed with cancer. The organization aims to enroll more than 100,000 Black women across the U.S. 

Dr. Tya Mathis-Coleman, ACS Board Member, ACS Voices of Black Women Ambassador 

As an African American woman raised by a breast cancer survivor, I know firsthand the power of resilience. My mother’s courage taught me that health equity is not just a conversation; it is a movement. Today, as I raise my own young Black daughter, I am committed to ensuring that her future includes access to lifesaving information and care. 

Last year, the American Cancer Society launched the VOICES campaign, amplifying stories from communities most impacted by cancer disparities. As a board member of ACS Nevada and now a proud VOICES Ambassador, I have seen firsthand that sharing our experiences can inspire change. When we launched Nevada’s VOICES in October 2025, it was a powerful reminder that Black women face unique challenges in cancer prevention and treatment and that our voices are essential in driving solutions. 

This Women’s History Month let’s honor our strength by speaking up, advocating for equity, and ensuring that every sister knows she is not alone. Join the VOICES movement, schedule your screenings, and encourage the women you love to do the same because our health is our power and our power is our legacy. 

Latoschka Nether, Senior Grassroots Advocacy Manager, ACS Cancer Action Network 

As a VOICES Ambassador working in advocacy and policy, I have the privilege of inviting lawmakers into meaningful conversations about the disparities affecting the communities they serve. Their constituents rely on them to champion policies that improve lives, especially in healthcare and cancer care. 

As a Black woman, I feel a deep responsibility to ensure my community, and others historically underrepresented, are seen and heard. Encouraging engagement is essential to building equity in a system that has long marginalized care. Change doesn’t happen instantly; it requires participation. VOICES offers a powerful pathway to begin that transformation. 

To learn more, visit voices.cancer.org