Rooted in faith.
Surrounded
by care.
When cancer touches a life, love must draw closer. Mount Zion welcomes patients, survivors, caregivers, and families into a community of prayer, encouragement, and informed action.
Every person matters. Every story deserves compassion.
So does belonging.
Caring for the whole person.
The Mount Zion Cancer Support Group shares information and encouragement with a special concern for the unequal burden of breast cancer on African American women. Its purpose is to support awareness, timely screening, and access to care that can help reduce deaths.
Within Mount Zion’s wider ministry of health and compassion, we invite people affected by any cancer to connect. Whether you need a listening ear, prayer, trustworthy resources, or a way to serve, there is a place to begin.
Ministry contact: Deacon Carrie Maxine Jenkins and Committee. Call the church office and leave your contact information for the Cancer Support Group.
Call 206-322-6500 →Breast health. Equity. Early action.
Awareness is an invitation to care for ourselves and one another. These facts explain why informed conversations and timely follow-up matter.
A gap that calls us to act.
The American Cancer Society reports that Black women have a breast cancer death rate 38% higher than White women, despite a slightly lower rate of new cases.
Equitable access to quality care is a community concern.
Know your screening plan.
For women at average risk, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends a mammogram every two years from ages 40 through 74.
Higher-risk histories can require a different plan. Ask your clinician what is right for you, including screening after 74.
Screening is one step.
Abnormal results need timely evaluation, and a cancer diagnosis needs effective treatment. Black women are also more likely to develop triple-negative breast cancer, an aggressive subtype.
Ask questions, understand your results, and keep the next appointment.
Let our love be visible.
Join the Mount Zion Cancer Support Group on the sidewalk near the church to hold display signs about cancer, raise awareness, and stand in solidarity with individuals and families affected by the disease.
Mount Zion Baptist Church
1634 Rev. Dr. S. McKinney Avenue
Seattle, Washington 98122
Wear something pink on Sundays in October.
A small expression of solidarity can open a life-giving conversation. Invite a friend to stand with you.
Be aware. Ask questions. Follow through.
Prepare for your next appointment.
- Ask when your next mammogram or other recommended cancer screening is due.
- Share your family cancer history, including the types of cancer and ages at diagnosis.
- Ask whether genetic counseling or a personalized screening plan is appropriate.
- Write down questions and ask when and how you will receive results.
- If cost, transportation, or language is a barrier, ask the care team about available support.
Screening information: USPSTF. Questions are conversation prompts for your clinician.
Notice changes. Seek care.
Contact a healthcare professional about a new or unusual breast change, including:
- A lump in the breast or underarm.
- Skin dimpling, thickening, swelling, or redness.
- Nipple pulling inward or discharge other than breast milk.
- A change in breast size or shape, or new pain.
These changes can have causes other than cancer. A clinician can evaluate them. Do not wait for an awareness event or your next routine mammogram.
Source: CDC: Symptoms of Breast Cancer.
Care for your health throughout the year. Avoid tobacco, protect your skin from ultraviolet exposure, stay physically active, work toward a healthy weight, and limit alcohol. Ask about recommended vaccines and cancer screenings. Healthy choices can lower risk, but no habit guarantees prevention.
Source: CDC: Preventing Cancer.
We believe in miracles.
We practice compassion.
“Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.”Galatians 6:2 · King James Version
We believe God still works miracles, and we pray boldly for healing. Through Mount Zion’s ministries, including the Health Ministry and Cancer Support Group, we seek to make His love visible in faithful presence, shared knowledge, and compassionate service.
A listening ear, a prayer offered with permission, and encouragement to seek care are ways we can become instruments of grace. We give thanks for the skill of medical professionals and for every person who helps carry another’s burden.
Your diagnosis is never a measure of your faith. You are loved through treatment, recovery, uncertainty, and grief. Prayer and spiritual support accompany professional medical care.
For additional support: National Cancer Institute: Faith and Spirituality with Cancer.
There is a way for you to help.
Offer your presence.
Ask what would be helpful. Listen without judgment, respect privacy, and remember caregivers as well as patients. Ask before sharing anyone’s story or prayer request.
Start a caring conversation.
Share reliable resources, encourage a screening conversation, and remind someone you love that asking for help is an act of strength.
Put your gifts to work.
Ask the Cancer Support Group or Health Ministry about current needs, awareness activities, and appropriate ways to support families.
Express interest →Resources for the next step.
Use these independent resources to learn, prepare questions, and explore available assistance.
American Cancer Society
Information and support for people with cancer and their caregivers. The cancer helpline is available 24 hours a day.
Call 1-800-227-2345Read cancer facts for Black communities →
Washington State health resources
Explore the Department of Health’s Breast, Cervical and Colon Health Program and check current eligibility and local service information.
Explore the state program →Breast cancer screening guidance
Read the USPSTF recommendation and discuss its benefits, limitations, and relevance to your history with a healthcare professional.
Read the screening guidance →Faith, meaning & emotional support
The National Cancer Institute offers guidance on spiritual concerns and finding support during cancer.
Explore spiritual support →Questions you may be carrying.
May I reach out if I am not a Mount Zion member?
Yes. We welcome neighbors, friends, and families seeking connection. Contact the Cancer Support Group to ask about current activities and available ministry support.
Is this only for people with breast cancer?
Our October outreach emphasizes breast cancer awareness and the needs of African American women. People affected by any cancer, along with survivors and caregivers, are welcome to reach out.
Can the church diagnose cancer or arrange treatment?
Mount Zion offers spiritual encouragement, awareness, and ministry connection. Medical evaluation, screening decisions, diagnosis, and treatment belong with qualified healthcare professionals. Ask your care team about urgent symptoms and treatment needs.
What should I include when I contact the group?
Send your name, a safe callback number, and a convenient time to reach you. Your email is shared with the Cancer Support ministry team for follow-up. Keep detailed medical information for a private conversation with your healthcare professionals.
You are seen.
You are loved.
You are welcome here.
Reach out for a ministry connection, a prayer request, information about October outreach, or an opportunity to serve.
Deacon Carrie Maxine Jenkins and Committee
Mount Zion Cancer Support Group
Call the church office and leave your contact information for the Cancer Support Group.
To request a callback, share your name, safe contact number, and preferred time. Messages are shared with the Cancer Support ministry team; this inbox does not provide medical advice or emergency services.