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Medical News Today
28-05-2025
- General
- Medical News Today
Advocating for yourself: Tips, support, and resources
A person can self-advocate by gaining knowledge about their healthcare rights and taking action to improve the level of care they receive. Learning to self-advocate can help people understand their rights and actively participate in and receive better care. Some people face challenges and barriers when seeking healthcare, such as discrimination or feeling that doctors dismiss their concerns. Certain groups, such as Black people, women, those with obesity, and LGBTQIA+ communities, may encounter additional healthcare barriers due to discrimination. Self-advocacy may be helpful to individuals who feel that healthcare professionals dismiss their concerns or fail to provide adequate or equitable care. This article offers tips for self-advocating at the doctor's office and discusses a person's rights. It also discusses a person's options when they feel a doctor is not listening to their healthcare concerns and offers support and resources. Maskot/Getty Images Gathering information about their condition, treatment options, and rights as patients may help them feel more confident in a healthcare setting. By learnin g as much as they can, they may feel more empowered to communicate with healthcare professionals and participate in decisions about their healthcare. Before making an appointment, a person may also want to do some research to determine whether a healthcare professional is the right fit for them. It may be helpful to visit the doctor's website and read online reviews. A person may find it helpful to prepare for an appointment by writing down or memorizing the questions they would like to ask a healthcare professional. Planning ahead may help an individual avoid feeling overwhelmed during the appointment. It may also help them feel more confident if they are worried that a healthcare professional might rush them or dismiss their concerns. It is important for a person to understand their health circumstances and healthcare plan as a self-advocate. One of an individual's rights as a patient is to be able to ask questions about their health and the treatments a healthcare professional recommen ds. A person should feel comfortable asking their doctor for clarification until they fully understand their health status and healthcare plan. Self-advocacy involves actively participating in decision making about one's healthcare. This can include asserting certain healthcare preferences, including diagnostic methods and treatment options. requesting specific, relevant, evidence-based treatment options questioning the treatment options a doctor suggests to understand the potential risks and benefits, and enquiring about relevant alternatives asking the doctor to use diagnostic methods or treatment plans that accommodate certain preferences, such as preferring not to give an unnecessary weight measurement A person may want to ask a friend or family member to accompany them to a healthcare appointment. This can help them feel supported, confident, and less overwhelmed. A companion may support a person during the appointment by: taking notes asking clarifying questions helping to assert preferences voicing dissatisfaction Keeping detailed records of their medical history can help a person communicate with healthcare professionals more effectively. It may also help prevent a healthcare professional from dismissing concerns or making assumptions. A person may want to record: the dates and outcomes of previous appointments their ongoing symptoms or symptom progression other healthcare professionals and specialists they have met with medical tests they have undergone prior medications and other treatments A person's rights as a patient include the right to obtain a second opinion. An individual may want to contact another doctor for various reasons. These include: wanting to confirm their doctor's advice not clearly understanding their doctor's assessment or recommendations feeling uncomfortable with their doctor's methods or recommendations wanting to explore alternative treatment options wanting treatment from a healthcare professional who is more understanding of their needs Self-advocacy in a healthcare setting can help a person understand, communicate, and assert their patient rights. When individuals can communicate with healthcare professionals effectively and participate in making decisions, they may receive more satisfactory, equitable care. If a person is unaware of their patient rights, they may feel as if they're overstepping boundaries or causing an inconvenience by self-advocating. However, self-advocacy goals align closely with patient rights. ask questions about their health status and recommended treatment, and have their questions answered make decisions about the care that a doctor recommends, and have those decisions respected obtain copies or summaries of their medical records receive information from their doctor and have the opportunity to discuss the risks and benefits of appropriate treatment alternatives receive timely, responsive treatment for their needs be treated with courtesy, dignity, and respect obtain a second opinion If a person feels their doctor is dismissive of their health concerns, and self-advocacy techniques like asking for clarification and expressing preferences are not effective, they may want to switch to a different healthcare professional. Individuals can do some quick research online to try and find healthcare professionals and settings that may be able to better meet their needs. This can involve checking websites, reviews, and intake forms. They can also speak to trusted friends, family, or support groups and ask them to suggest doctors with whom they have had good experiences. A person may also want to contact a healthcare facility before making an appointment to discuss any concerns and ask questions about the care they provide. If a person has a negative experience with a healthcare professional, they can ask the medical office to record their concerns. They may also be able to help others decide whether to seek care from a health professional by submitting a review of their experience online. Some people may face additional challenges in healthcare due to discrimination. These include: people of color women LGBTQIA+ communities those with obesity The following resources may help people find support: The Association of Black Women Physicians (ABWP): The ABWP provides programs and information that support the mental health and well-being of Black people and support African American women in medicine. The ABWP provides programs and information that support the mental health and well-being of Black people and support African American women in medicine. White Coats for Black Lives (WC4BL): WC4BL provides information and various resources that aim to improve health equity for Black people and people of color. WC4BL provides information and various resources that aim to improve health equity for Black people and people of color. The NAACP: The NAACP is an advocacy organization that aims to end racial inequality. The organization aims to provide health funding for African American people and advocates for resources to reduce health disparities. The NAACP is an advocacy organization that aims to end racial inequality. The organization aims to provide health funding for African American people and advocates for resources to reduce health disparities. The OASH Office on Women's Health (OWH): The OWH is part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The organization provides information, support, and resources for women's health. The is part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The organization provides information, support, and resources for women's health. The Alliance for Women's Health & Prevention (AWHP): The AWHP is an advocacy organization that aims to help women access healthcare and advance policy to drive equitable care. The AWHP is an advocacy organization that aims to help women access healthcare and advance policy to drive equitable care. Gay and Lesbian Medical Association (GLMA): The GLMA offers a directory of LGBTQIA+-friendly healthcare professionals. The GLMA offers a directory of LGBTQIA+-friendly healthcare professionals. Out2Enroll: Out2Enroll is an organization that offers various resources for LGBTQIA+ healthcare, including information about gender affirming care, help finding a doctor, and help managing discrimination. Out2Enroll is an organization that offers various resources for LGBTQIA+ healthcare, including information about gender affirming care, help finding a doctor, and help managing discrimination. HAES Health Sheets: This website provides several resources that may be helpful for people with obesity, including weight-friendly health professionals, self-advocacy information, and healthcare research. This website provides several resources that may be helpful for people with obesity, including weight-friendly health professionals, self-advocacy information, and healthcare research. The Obesity Action Coalition: This organization provides various resources for people with obesity. This organization provides various resources for people with obesity. Solace: This organization is covered by most Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans. It can provide advocacy services and private practice advocates that a person can use and pay for out of pocket. Self-advocacy can help people experience more satisfactory healthcare. Advocating can involve gaining knowledge, preparing for appointments, asserting preferences, and participating in decision making. Self-advocacy aligns closely with people's patient rights, which include the right to clear information from healthcare professionals, the right to make healthcare decisions, and the right to be treated with courtesy, dignity, and respect. Some groups of people may face additional healthcare challenges due to bias and discrimination. Self-advocacy may help empower people to question healthcare professionals and practices and gain access to equitable care. Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.
Yahoo
21-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Cancer death rate for Black people declines, but higher risk remains
Cancer deaths among Black men and women in the United States have declined during the past decade in the United States, a new American Cancer Society report says. The cancer death rate decreased 49% among Black men and 33% among Black women between 1991 and 2022, according to ACS' Cancer Statistics for African American and Black People, 2025. However, Black people continue to have a higher cancer burden than other racial or ethnic groups, researchers found. "Overall declines in cancer mortality rates in Black people largely reflect behavioral changes, such as historical declines in cigarette smoking among Black teens, as well as advances in treatment and earlier detection for some cancers," said Rebecca Siegel, senior scientific director of surveillance research at the American Cancer Society. "Yet, this population persistently experiences a much higher mortality burden than other racial and ethnic groups for many cancers," Siegel added in a news release. "We must reverse course." The ACS report also found that the risk of death among Black patients is twice that of white folks when it comes to myeloma, prostate, endometrial and stomach cancers. Likewise, death rates among Black people for colon, breast, cervical and liver cancers are 40% to 50% higher than those for white patients, the report says. Overall, survival is lower in Black people than in white people for almost every type and stage of cancer, with the largest gaps involving melanoma, endometrial and cervical cancers, researchers found. "This report highlights the disparities the Black community has faced for decades," Dr. Wayne Frederick, the society's interim chief executive officer, said in a news release. "While the decline in cancer mortality rates is encouraging, the stark inequities in incidence and survival for many cancers underscore the urgent need for targeted research and interventions," he added. The report also found that: • Black men experienced the most significant relative decline in cancer deaths at nearly every age, compared to Black women and white people. This included a 65% to 67% decrease in deaths among those between 40 and 59 years of age. • The most commonly diagnosed cancers continue to be prostate (44% among males), breast (34% among females), lung (10%) and colon (8%). These types of cancer account for 58% of all new cancers diagnosed among Black people. • Black men have a 67% higher prostate cancer case rate compared to White men and are more than twice as likely to die from it. • Black women have a 38% higher risk of dying from breast cancer compared to White women, despite a 5% lower likelihood of being diagnosed with the disease. • Endometrial cancer cases continue to increase among Black women by 2% per year. "Future research should not only explore the influence of systemic racism on health, but also develop mechanisms to implement change, including increasing diversity in clinical trials," Dr. William Dahut, chief scientific officer of the society, said in a news release. "Given this latest data, it's also more important than ever to understand how to reduce your chance of getting cancer," Dahut added. "This means taking preventative health measures, like understanding your risk profile, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and keeping up on cancer screenings to catch the disease as early as possible." The new report, published Thursday, appears in the journal CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians. More information The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more about cancer and Black people. Copyright © 2025 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
Yahoo
30-01-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Sisterhood on display at Rochester boutique
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — A common belief among some Black women is that we can be our own worst enemies. But not so, at a unique business in Rochester's South Wedge neighborhood. Connie Marple, the owner of Women of Color International has created a vibrant shop teeming with fashion, sweet treats, and self-care items. It unites women of color under one roof. An explosion of color and expression greets shoppers who step inside. It's full of laughter and positive energy. Fourteen Black women from all backgrounds share the space. Women like Patricia Mason-Williams who owns Second Glance Vintage. 'When Connie first opened I fell in love with this store.' Now Mason-Williams is part of the business. All of the women invited to join the collective exude passion for their handmade designs, all-natural products, or one-of-a-kind creations. Verneda Adele White owns Black People are America's Hot Sauce. She says her t-shirts and merchandise are about self-care and love. 'This is a manifestation of my own journey of facing racism as a black woman in America,' she said. Marple says 2024 was the cooperative's best year. She says they have increased customers and sales since the boutique first opened during the pandemic in 2021. 'So I have to constantly make more oil because they're selling out,' explains Deondra Dukes, the owner of D'Llias Hair Products. 'It's a good problem to have.' Keisha Holloman who owns Hair by Her Boutique says, 'I never knew it would flourish to this.' LaQuita Danner-Moore, the owner of Unrivaled Jewels says she's expanded what she offers but her most popular product is her waist beads and chains. 'This one I call steampunk. You can see why. It looks reminiscent of the steampunk-style bolts, screws, metal pieces, and such.' she explains. But the hype isn't all about what's being sold. It's what they share and gain as part of a collective of Black female business owners. 'I've been here since the start. Since the store first opened up,' shares Lauren Barley of Light My Candle, Co. Others like Marry Harper were invited to join within the last six months. 'This is inspirational. You have women who are bouncing their ideas off each other. And you're learning'. Harper owns Hapi Yoni a product designed to detox and improve womb circulation. Instead of viewing this as a competition, they see each other's success as motivation. 'Everyone has an opportunity to be as big and as beautiful as they want to be. There's no restriction whatsoever,' said Candace Simmons also known as Glow. She owns Goddess Glow Botanicals an all-natural skin and body brand. Marple adds, because they each share the expenses to operate the boutique, it doesn't cripple the women financially if their individual sales are down one particular month. Marple says this is the manifestation of an idea she contemplated for years. The dental hygienist turned fashion designer is credited with fostering a sisterhood where creativity, collaboration, encouragement, and mentoring don't just bloom they blossom. 'We're making history and we're making it together. We're growing and we're showing people this can happen,' she said. The boutique and gift shop at 539 South Avenue initially opened as Women of Color New York. Marple replaced New York with International to indicate their expansion. The boutique now collaborates with women in other states through the use of an online directory. By the end of the year, they hope to have a total of 20 partners, 15 in the store and five online. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
