Pancreatic cancer continues to impact people from all communities, casting an especially heavy burden on Black and African American populations. Despite remarkable advancements in medical research, the number of people being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer continues to steadily climb, which is sadly true for the diagnosis of most other cancers. Addressing this fight against pancreatic cancer requires acknowledgment of actionable change—and that’s where education and advocacy come into play.
What is particularly encouraging is that national efforts are underway to identify more effective ways to diagnose, screen, treat, and even more importantly, prevent pancreatic cancer. We also recognize that many different priorities in life make it hard to make time for ‘one more thing. However, what we continue to learn is that change only occurs by action – if you want to see something improve, then “do something.” So, as a center of researchers from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU), the University of Florida (UF), and the University of Southern California (USC), as part of the Florida-California Cancer Research, Education and Engagement (CaRE2) Health Equity Center, we have been working together to “do something” in the fight against pancreatic, prostate and lung cancer since 2018 in efforts to eliminate cancer health disparities in Black and Hispanic Communities.
The CaRE2 Health Equity Center has stepped up to meet this challenge in the fight against cancer with the creation of several advocacy trainings, educational materials, brochures, videos and podcasts that share the latest advancements in screening, and the need for clinical trials research and treatments, all developed in close collaboration with community experts who are Community Advisory Board members or Community Scientist Research Advocates. All materials and information shared by the center seeks to increase awareness about cancer and are designed to be relevant to the needs and interests of the community it is designed for.
CaRE2 is working hard to share information with our community in several ways, like at community events and celebrations, through hosting webinars and educational sessions online and in-person, and by asking community organizations to work with us to host free educational sessions with your members. In honor of Pancreatic Cancer Awareness month, we are excited to announce our Pancreatic Cancer Advocacy Training on November 20th from 6-8PM EST/ 3-5PM PST. This 2-hour training is more than just a program; it’s an initiative aimed at empowering people directly impacted by pancreatic cancer, especially members of our Black communities, with the information needed to combat one of the most lethal forms of cancer. This free training strives to promote awareness, advocacy, and research by sharing information on contributing factors—ranging from lifestyle behaviors and genetic factors and testing, recognizing signs and symptoms, to receiving medical treatment that may be effective in surviving cancer.
We know that the only way to continue fighting cancer is by sharing what we know throughout our community and inviting you to become involved with our Health Equity Center.
Become an advocate for your community and join the fight against pancreatic cancer by being a part of any of our free educational activities and events.
Join CaRE2’s Pancreatic Cancer Advocacy Training on November 20th from 6-8PM EST/ 3-5PM PST
Registration is FREE: Join our Community Contact Registry designed to promote research participation among underserved community members in Florida and California at: https://care2healthequitycenter.org/the-care2-contact-registry/
Visit the CaRE2 Center website for more information: https://care2healthequitycenter.org/
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