East Gainesville churches team up with the UF Health Cancer Center to address the prevention and treatment of breast cancer.
Event organized as part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month
The duo, made up of members of the cancer center Cancer Disparities Research Collaborative (CDRC), will host the Power Over Breast Cancer rally from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 21 at Springhill Baptist Church, 120 SE Williston Road. Registration will begin in person at 8:30 a.m. and a light breakfast will be served. Early registration prior to the day of the event is encouraged and can be done at https://bit.ly/BreastCancerGNV or by phone at 352-359-5184.
There will be drawings for 10 $50 gift certificates and a free boxed lunch after the gathering.
Power Over Breast Cancer rally held to educate public
“The idea is to share and learn from each other,” said Carolyn Tucker, Ph.D., director of the CDRC. “Breast cancer is the most common cancer among all women. »
Breast cancer mortality rate is 40% higher among black women
Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths among black and Hispanic women, Tucker said.
Black women have a 4% lower incidence rate of breast cancer than white women, but a 40% higher breast cancer mortality rate, according to the Cancer Center.
“It’s really important that we involve women of all races and ethnicities,” Tucker said. “We also need to do a major campaign to get black women there because of the higher mortality rates. »
Goals of the Power on Breast Cancer gathering
The main objectives of the gathering are:
- Learn how family members can support their loved one who is a cancer survivor
- Identify the most effective treatments for breast cancer and ways to prevent late-stage diagnosis
- Finding ways to support family members of women with breast cancer
- Provide an opportunity to learn more and register to participate in cancer prevention and intervention research
- Share ways to cope with the emotional, physical and other changes that come with breast cancer
- Answering questions about breast cancer
Advocates raise community awareness about breast cancer
Gwendolyn Saffo is one of the cancer research and intervention advocates at the gathering, and her role is to reach out to the community and serve as a facilitator and recruiter for participation.
“This is a great opportunity for community members to discover ways to help each other — for those who have been diagnosed with breast cancer and for caregivers,” Saffo said. “Advocacy is very important to me. I hope the message gets out and we can help people of color understand what resources are available to them.
Churches involved in spreading the good word
East Gainesville churches involved in CDRC are Springhill, DaySpring and Faith Baptist Churches, Greater Bethel AME Church, Showers of Blessings Harvest Center, Passage Family Church, Upper Room and Williams Temple of God in Christ Church.
“We hope people will leave with greater motivation to get tested,” Tucker said. “We want them to leave knowing how to support each other. What excites me is learning how we can ultimately have a better quality of life and reduce breast cancer disparities among Black women.
Pastor looking forward to meeting
Springhill pastor Adrian Taylor said he was looking forward to the gathering.
“This is an opportunity for us to come together to share a relevant topic that affects us all,” Taylor said. “Faith-based organizations and the Cancer Disparities Research Collaborative at the UF Health Cancer Center provide a space to share their hearts in person and connect with people who have been diagnosed with illness. »
Presentations focused on treatment, prevention and research
There will be presentations on new treatment options for breast cancer patients, breast cancer prevention strategies and how to participate in research studies.
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“We want them to know they’re not alone,” Taylor said. “Many people are going through this in silence and we want them to feel the love of the community and know the resources at the best hospital in our area.” »
Small group sessions will focus on diagnosed women, their families, friends and husbands.
There will be three breakout sessions for participants: one group will consist of women diagnosed with breast cancer and women at risk for breast cancer, the second group will consist of family members and friends of women with breast cancer and the third group will be husbands and other men living with women with breast cancer.
Gathering to close with a round table
Next, there will be a panel discussion featuring speakers who have been diagnosed with breast cancer and who have helped women cope with the diagnosis.
