National Black Family Cancer Awareness Week

Last year the FDA's Oncology Center of Excellence (OCE) dedicated a week in June, to serve as National Black Family Cancer Awareness Week. This was said to have been done "to increase cancer awareness in one of the most vulnerable segments of the U.S. population" (African Americans). This initiative "aims to marshal community-based stakeholders to build knowledge surrounding cancer clinical trial participation and cancer research", and repository donations.

We echo Dr. Richard Pazdur, Director, of OCE's sentiment when he said, “Raising awareness about cancer in Black communities is so important because Black Americans have had the highest mortality rates of any racial and ethnic group for all cancers combined and for most major cancers.”

However, we say it's time to change the narrative. With this week quickly approaching it is imperative that we focus and give attention to the matter because we cannot conquer what we will not confront. Remember to share this with others, get involved, and don't forget to #BlackFamCan.

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