Moffitt to Share Research Update on Cancer in the Black Community
TAMPA, Fla. — Since 2017, the George Edgecomb Society has worked to fund more cancer research in the Black community. On Feb. 11, the community will get a firsthand look at that research when Moffitt Cancer Center hosts the virtual event “Cancer in the Black Community: A Research Update.”
This virtual event is presented through a partnership with the society, Moffitt Diversity and the Office of Community Outreach, Engagement and Equity. Registration information is available here.
Disproportionate cancer incidence and death rates for the Black community are persistent issues that require greater focus, said Dr. B. Lee Green, vice president of Diversity, Public Relations and Strategic Communications at Moffitt.
“Changing that dynamic requires the leaders in cancer care and research to look at all aspects of the problem, from issues in access, screening and clinical trial participation to studying the underlying genetic differences in cancers across racial and ethnic populations. Moffitt Diversity has been committed to this effort for 15 years. In fact, our partnerships within the Black community are funding disparities research through Moffitt’s George Edgecomb Society in hopes of reducing cancer’s inordinate burden on minorities.”
“Cancer in the Black Community: A Research Update” will highlight the scientific advancements of health disparities research in ovarian, pancreatic and prostate cancers funded by the society and explain its impact on the Black community. Breakouts will allow participants to engage with Moffitt’s research and clinical faculty. Speakers include a special introduction of Moffitt’s new President and CEO, Dr. Patrick Hwu as well as focus on research addressing health disparities by Dr. Clement Gwede, a health disparities researcher and senior member of the Health Outcomes & Behavior Program at Moffitt, and Dr. Susan Vadaparampil, Associate Center Director, Community Outreach, Engagement & Equity.
Moffitt created the George Edgecomb Society in 2017 so its donors could help address these issues by ensuring equitable health outcomes and the elimination of cancer health disparities among Blacks and African Americans. Since then, the society has raised over $665,000 in pledges and donations toward this cause.
WHAT: Cancer in the Black Community: A Research Update
WHEN: Thursday, Feb. 11
REGISTRATION: Please follow this Zoom link.
About Moffitt Cancer Center
Moffitt is dedicated to one lifesaving mission: to contribute to the prevention and cure of cancer. The Tampa-based facility is one of only 51 National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers, a distinction that recognizes Moffitt’s scientific excellence, multidisciplinary research, and robust training and education. Moffitt is the No. 11 cancer hospital and has been nationally ranked by U.S. News & World Report since 1999. Moffitt’s expert nursing staff is recognized by the American Nurses Credentialing Center with Magnet® status, its highest distinction. With more than 7,000 team members, Moffitt has an economic impact in the state of $2.4 billion. For more information, call 1-888-MOFFITT (1-888-663-3488), visit MOFFITT.org, and follow the momentum on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.