The third week of April is National Minority Cancer Awareness Week also known as NMCAW. NMCAW was created because although cancer affects men and women of every age, race, and economic class, this disease has a more severe impact on minorities and the economically disadvantaged.
Now is an important time to get screened for cancer. Colorectal cancer is one the most preventable, detectable, and beatable cancers.
In an effort to increase colorectal cancer screening in the Black community, researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center are encouraging individuals to join the Increasing Access to Colorectal Cancer Testing for Blacks (I-ACT) research study. Two current participants in the research study volunteered to share their experiences to help encourage others to join.
Haygan Bethel, originally from the Caribbean, and Essie Harrison (pictured), an active community volunteer, have been participants in the research study for about a year and want to inspire others to take charge of their health the way they have.
Both participants learned of the I-ACT study while attending community health fairs in the spring of 2012. Since then, both have completed their participation in the study and are now advocates for encouraging their fellow community members to join.
Among other benefits, both expressed their peace of mind after taking control of their colon health with regular screenings.
Ms. Harrison and Haygan were both attracted to the study because it offers a way for men and women, ages 50 to 75, who may not have health insurance, to take charge of their health and be screened for colon cancer.
Ms. Harrison joined the study because she saw it as an opportunity to keep up with a very necessary preventative health screening, as well as a way to help benefit others through important research.
“We in the Black community don’t get our check-ups like we should. This study is a good chance for us to do that,” Ms. Harrison says.
Bethel, who had never been screened, wanted to participate for similar reasons. “I participated because I was concerned about my health and it was free!” he says.
Participation in the study does not take much time and is easy to do. The study team will even come to you if you have limited transportation. Most importantly, if you qualify, you will receive a free colon cancer screening test kit to be completed in the comfort of your own home.
The team says, do your part – ACT now! Screening saves lives. Call the team today at (813) 745-6502 or (813) 745-6244 to see if you qualify! Don’t wait another day, month, or year to do what is necessary for your health!
