Minority Cancer Education

Black men die of cancer at a higher rate than every other racial or ethnic group in Florida . The American Cancer Society and the 100 Black Men of America, Inc. Florida Chapters have joined forces to fight this disparity. It's time to take control of your health. Talk to your doctor about ways to lower your risk and live a healthier lifestyle. For more information, contact the American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org or 1.800.ACS.2345.

Our partnership with the American Cancer Society, Florida Division has afforded us the opportunity to launch a county-wide Minority Cancer Education (MCE) initiative. This program is designed to increase awareness in the black community concerning the impact of cancer and the value of preventive efforts to mitigate all life-threatening and chronic diseases.

MCE will begin with a focus on colorectal cancer. Colon cancer is the third most common cancer in black men and black women, but it's also one of the most preventable types of cancer. It almost always starts with a polyp, and tests can find and remove polps early on, before they become cancer. But colon cancer can't be prevented unless you get tested, and not enough black men and black women get tested each year.

If you're 50 or older, talk to your doctors about getting a test. If one or more of your first-degree relatives, like your father, mother, brother or son has been diagnosed with colon cancer, ask your doctor about getting tested earlier.

The 100 Black Men of Greater Fort Lauderdale has future plans that will also address other types of cancers that affect the black community. This includes education and information on the following types of cancer: lung, prostate, breast, and ovarian. We will also provide additional education and information on the relationship between the status of our health; and, how it can impact our susceptibility to chronic diseases.