Our mission is to provide high quality, reliable information,
and support to Black cancer patients.

VISIT THE COALITION FOR
BREAST CANCER PATIENTS & SURVIVORS

 

VISIT THE COALITION FOR
PROSTATE CANCER PATIENTS & SURVIVORS

Our vision is that every person of African descent who is a cancer survivor in the Phoenix Metropolitan area will have access to high-quality information, support, and resources to assist them in their cancer journey. Furthermore, through the efforts of these survivors, the Black population within the Phoenix metropolitan area will become more aware of cancer prevention, screening, and treatment.

A New Leader Takes the Helm

The Coalition of Blacks Against Cancer (CBAC) recently announced the appointment of Dr. Sarah E. James, MD, PhD, as its new President. Dr. James, a radiation oncologist at Mayo Clinic Arizona and a longtime member of the CBAC leadership team, brings vast clinical expertise and a passion for eliminating disparities in cancer outcomes to the role. 

“CBAC is a trusted lifeline for patients, caregivers, and families,” said Dr. Sarah E. James. “As President, I am committed to expanding access to evidence-based education, prevention, and survivorship resources—while amplifying the voices of Black patients, caregivers, and survivors across Arizona and beyond.”

Dr. James’s clinical expertise includes the treatment of breast, prostate, and gynecologic cancers, and her research focuses on reducing disparities, symptom intervention, and survivorship optimization.

“Dr. James is the right leader at the right time,” said Dr. Michele Halyard, Co-Founder and Immediate Past President of CBAC.  “Her combination of clinical excellence, research vision, and community-centered leadership will elevate CBAC’s impact for years to come.”

Read more about Dr. James here.

2025 CBAC Fundraising Gala - A Night in Paris

On September 27, 2025, we celebrated 15 years of impact, resilience, and community at the Coalition of Blacks Against Cancer’s fundraising gala — A Night in Paris!

This elegant evening honored our incredible survivors and the champions who have supported our mission from day one. With Parisian flair and heartfelt purpose, we raised critical funds to support breast and prostate cancer awareness, education, and advocacy in the Black community. This year’s distinguished honorees were:

  • Rising Phoenix Award – Arizona Complete Health

  • Judge George Logan Spirit of the Fight Award – Renae Boone-Linden and Cancer Matters

  • Barbra Watson-Riley Community Impact Award – Larry Fitzgerald Jr. and the Larry Fitzgerald Foundation

Stay tuned for photos and videos from “A Night in Paris!”

Our mission

The Coalition of Blacks Against Cancer (CBAC) is an Arizona 501c3 nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide high quality, reliable information and support to Black cancer patients, and to educate the Black community about cancer prevention, diagnosis, and screening. CBAC also provides resources and support through the Coalition of Blacks Against Breast Cancer (CBBC) and the Coalition of Blacks Against Prostate Cancer (CBPC).

CBAC Founders (L-R): Michele Halyard MD and Marion Kelly.

Our commitment

The survival rate for Black Americans has historically lagged behind other ethnic groups. The CBBC and CBPC are groups specifically for Black women and men with breast cancer and prostate cancer, respectively. The goal of the CBAC is to provide accurate and current information related to cancer prevention, screening, diagnosis, and treatment through our website, social media channels, monthly meetings, outreach, and educational programming.

  • February Support Group Meeting & Educational Session

    Sunday, February 15, 2026
    3:00 PM – 5:00 PM

    In Person or Via Zoom

    Cancer Support Community
    360 E Palm Lane | Phoenix, AZ 85004

    Fitness & Recovery: Building the Right Routine for You Featuring Tyon Powell, Certified Personal Trainer

    With guidance from certified personal trainer Tyon Powell, we’ll work together to create a fitness routine tailored to your unique needs, comfort level, and recovery goals. It’s a chance to connect, learn, and walk away with a plan that truly fits you.

    In-Person Registration: https://wkf.ms/4chtll9

    Virtual Registration: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/RKJpi6a0QPGa9M5OBfDqsw

  • Free Mammograms

    This Valentine’s Day, we’re showing love where it matters most—your health. Join the Coalition of Blacks Against Breast Cancer for FREE 3D Mammography Screenings at our Health Pillar Day!

    February 14
    8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
    1700 W. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85007

    What you need to know:
    FREE 3D Mammograms
    No insurance or referral required
    Ages 40+
    Screenings provided by Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center in the
    BIG Pink Bus

    Hosted by CBBC and sponsored by The Larry Fitzgerald Foundation.

    Learn More

Nationally, 1 in 8 women, as well as a minority of men, will be affected by breast cancer. Those fighting, surviving, and supporting those through their journey deal with the reality of cancer daily. To join the campaign, visit www.thelarryfitzgeraldfoundation.org.

Larry Fitzgerald Foundation

Stories of hope, resilience, and joy from our community

Meetings

CBBC and CBPC host meetings on the third Sunday of each month, from 3:00-5:00, pm, both virtually and in person at the Cancer Support Community, 360 E. Palm Lane, Phoenix. Survivors share successes and challenges and trained health educators facilitate an education component. The meetings may also be accessed virtually via Zoom. Please email your attendance to info@blacksagainstcancer.org.

Support

Membership is free and open to anyone and everyone interested and passionate about defeating cancer. You can help by identifying resources and serving as an outreach ambassador to health care providers, community-based organizations, churches and other resources.

Get Involved

We invite men and women, families, caregivers, providers, corporate and foundation supporters to join in the fight. Attend a monthly meeting, volunteer as an ambassador, connect with us and share your story.