The American Cancer Society says that African American men have the highest rate of prostate cancer in the U.S. and American Indian men are twice as likely to die of colon cancer as other U.S. men. Latino and Asian men are two to three times more likely to get stomach and liver cancer than white men.
With that knowledge the mayors of Duluth and Superior have proclaimed this week Minority Cancer Awareness Week in Duluth and Superior. Regional and national employees of the American Cancer Society as well as local leaders in the Twin Ports minority communities kicked off this week with a press conference intended to call attention to and reduce the disparity.
"African Americans and American Indians are more likely to die from cancer than the U.S. population as a whole," Marjorie Johnson of the American Cancer Society's health equity department said. These minorities have more barriers to early detection when the cancers are the easiest to treat and cure. "National Minority Cancer Awareness Week highlights this unequal burden of cancer and gives our community an opportunity to look at solutions together."
On Monday afternoon a reception was held at the Edgewater Conference Center as an opportunity for leaders in minority communities, cancer centers, clinics and educational institutions to visit and work to reduce cancer and increase early detection among minorities.
Free mammograms are offered today (April 17) for the uninsured and underinsured. "A lot of women are afraid to have a mammogram," said Wendy Norgren social service specialist of the Damiano Center. "We teach them that knowledge is power." The mammogram event today includes a hostess who will great women, take health information and accompany them on a ride to Essentia Breast Center and stay with them if needed. Refreshments and education to help detect cancer will be provided at the Damiano Center. Phone Norgren at 727-1834 for information.
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The mammograms services were made possible by the American Cancer Society which partnered with Essentia Breast Center, the Damiano Center, the Duluth YWCA and the Minnesota Department of Health SAGE Program which pays for mammograms and Pap tests for uninsured or underinsured women to provide mammograms to 32 women who qualify for SAGE or Medicaid.
Bruce Derauf, a radiologist at Essentia Health said that more lower-income people could be using the SAGE program.
In an effort to educate minority men a free men's health supper, especially for African American, American Indian and Latino and Asian men is scheduled for Friday, April 20 from 6 until 8 p.m. at First United Methodist Church (Coppertop). African American men have the highest rate of prostate cancer in the U.S. American Indian men are twice as likely to die of colon cancer as other U. S. men. Latino and Asian men are two to three times more likely to get stomach and liver cancer than white men.
The program includes a talk, titled "Do I need to be Screened for Prostate Cancer?" by Bret Friday a medical oncologist at Essentia Health. Arne Vainio a physician with the Fond du Lac Min No Aya Win clinic will talk about colon cancer and whether or not screening can stop men from getting it.
The main course of the supper will be prepared by James Buchner's Simply Southern Catering. Wild rice prepared by the Red lake Urban office will be served as a dessert. The Red lake urban Office Drum and Voices of Victory Choir will provide entertainment.
A van will available to transport men from the Superior Public Library to the supper. Pick up time is 5:30 p.m. Funding for the supper was provided in large part by Essentia Health.
If you go
What: Mammograms:
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Where: met at the Damiano Center, 206 W. Fourth St., for transportation and hostess to help you to Essentia Health
When: Today, April 17
Who: Women age 40 and up who haven't been screened this year
What: Men's supper
Where: First United Methodist Church, (Coppertop) 230 E. Skyline Parkway.
When: Friday, April 20 6 to 8 p.m.
Who: Especially focused for African American, American Indian, Latino and Asian men.
