Film/Video
Unseen & Unheard: The Lung Cancer Crisis in Black Communities
Shanada Monestime, PharmD, BCOP1, Fatima Mohamed, B.Sc.2 and James Hall3
(1)Miramar, FL, (2)GO2 for Lung Cancer, Washington, DC, (3)Onyx and Dash, San Francisco, CA
APHA 2025 Annual Meeting and Expo
Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths, disproportionately affecting Black communities. This documentary brings to light the personal experiences of patients, caregivers, and advocates to illustrate the urgent need for early detection and equitable healthcare access. Despite having the highest incidence and mortality rates, Black communities face systemic barriers that limit awareness and access to screening, leading to delayed diagnoses and worse outcomes. Through compelling narratives, the film highlights real-life struggles and resilience: a community leader overcoming treatment fears, a young woman advocating for her own diagnosis despite ineligibility for screening, and a caregiver reflecting on the impact of delayed detection. These firsthand accounts expose disparities while empowering viewers with knowledge about screening, self-advocacy, and systemic challenges. Designed as both an educational and advocacy tool, this documentary is integrated into GO2 for Lung Cancer READY LUNG’s outreach efforts to increase lung cancer screening rates in Black communities. By fostering dialogue and engagement, the film seeks to inspire action, drive policy change, and promote equitable healthcare access, aligning with the mission of making public health a national priority.
Advocacy for health and health education Assessment of individual and community needs for health education Chronic disease management and prevention Diversity and culture Other professions or practice related to public health Public health or related research