April 11, 2003

National Minority Cancer Awareness events

In recognition of National Minority Cancer Awareness Week, the MGH Cancer Center will sponsor two events April 23 and 24. "Caring for the Community" will take place April 23, from 1 to 3 pm in the O'Keeffe Auditorium, featuring Reverend Ray Hammond, who will present "Effective Community Outreach — Partnering with Faith-based Organizations." Thomas Farrington, author of Battling the Killer Within, also will discuss his book and the effects of hope, prayer and treatment on prostate cancer recovery. Bruce Chabner, MD, clinical director of the Cancer Center, will give an overview of Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center's Disparities in Cancer Program. A reception and book signing by Farrington will follow.

"Making a Difference in Your Care — What You Need to Know About Cancer Prevention" will be held April 24, from 1 to 3 pm in the O'Keeffe Auditorium. Cancer Center clinicians will staff tables with educational information about cancer prevention, and an informal presentation will be held from 2 to 3 pm. The program will feature Chabner, Elyse Park, PhD, clinical assistant in Psychology, and Christopher Lathan, MD, a Hematology/Oncology fellow, who will discuss how to get the latest information on prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer. The second half of the program will feature a panel of MGH staff and community leaders who will stress the importance of early detection and staying informed.

For more information, contact Joelle Reed at (617) 726-2689.