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Local church to host cancer awareness event

Bethel A.M.E. to promote awareness of common cancers in African-Americans

-added 06/24/09

Ann Arbor - The Bethel A.M.E. Church in Ann Arbor will open its doors to the community on Saturday, June 27, for an educational event about cancer, put on by its Health and Wellness Ministry.

"Here's to Your Health" will include presentations by a panel of medical experts, including Andrew Chang, M.D., and umphrey Atiemo, M.D., both of the University of Michigan Health System.

Chang is a thoracic surgeon and assistant professor in the Department of Surgery, and will speak about lung cancer. Atiemo is a urologist and assistant professor in the Department of Urology, and will speak about prostate cancer.

"Prostate cancer disproportionately affects the African-American community, and there is some exciting new information recently released from the American Urological Association regarding screening for prostate cancer," Atiemo said.

In addition, Barbara Threatt, M.D., the medical director at Ann Arbor's Comprehensive Breast Center, will present on breast cancer in the African-American community.

"Lung, breast and prostate cancers are three of the four most common cancers for African-Americans," said Aisha Langford, the manager of community outreach at the U-M Comprehensive Cancer Center.

The event will also include a breakout session on cancer and a 30 minute physical workout for those who are interested.

Langford said people should attend the event not only to learn more about cancer prevention, early diagnosis and treatment, but also to "support community efforts to improve the community's health."

"Here's to Your Health" is part of Body & Soul, a national program that targets African-American churches to improve healthy lifestyle choices. Body & Soul is locally coordinated by the U-M Comprehensive Cancer Center's Minority Outreach Initiative.

"This event is a fantastic opportunity to educate the local Ann Arbor community about cancer," Atiemo said.

 

Written by Haley Otman; contact via E-mail: otmanh@med.umich.edu or Phone: 734-764-2220

 

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