Office of Community Outreach, Engagement, and Equity | |
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Be the source for better health
In April, we honor National Minority Health Month – a yearly observance that calls attention to higher rates of illness and early death among our nation’s racial and ethnic minority and American Indian/Alaska Native populations, while encouraging collaboration to end these inequities.
This year’s theme for National Minority Health Month – set by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health – is “Be the Source for Better Health: Improving Health Outcomes Through Our Cultures, Communities, and Connections.” The campaign asks us to consider how conditions in the places where we are born, live, learn, work, play, worship, and age can impact our health. As we deepen our awareness of the unique challenges preventing certain groups of people from achieving optimal health, we can work more effectively at creating meaningful solutions.
Stubborn cancer disparities
The National Cancer Institute reports that while cancer incidence (new cases) and cancer-related deaths have been declining across all U.S. population groups, racial and ethnic minority as well as American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) populations remain at increased risk of developing or dying from certain cancers. For example:
- Black/African American individuals have higher death rates than all other racial/ethnic groups for many cancer types.
- Hispanic/Latino, Black, and AI/AN women have higher rates of cervical cancer than women from other racial and ethnic groups.
- American Indians and Alaska Natives have higher death rates from kidney cancer than any other racial or ethnic group. They also have the highest liver cancer incidence and mortality rates.
Long-standing social, economic, and environmental obstacles have made it difficult for racial and ethnic minority populations to take steps to lower their cancer risks, get lifesaving cancer screening tests, and access timely, affordable treatment, including clinical trials. This contributes to cancer disparities. In addition, biology and genetics can play a role.
Eliminating disparities and achieving cancer health equity will require public health organizations and community partners to collaborate – as emphasized by the Office of Minority Health – on addressing social determinants of health such as:
- Safe housing, transportation, and neighborhoods
- Racism, discrimination, and violence
- Education, job opportunities, and income
- Access to nutritious foods and physical activity opportunities
- Polluted air and water
- Language and literacy skills
Working toward cancer health equity
In this month’s newsletter, we’re highlighting a few ways that UT Southwestern’s Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center is working to reduce cancer disparities through mobile outreach, targeted research, navigation to clinical trials, and culinary medicine. To learn more about Simmons Cancer Center’s community cancer resources and opportunities to partner in strengthening public health, please visit our Office of Community Outreach, Engagement, and Equity website.
Note: We acknowledge that the term “minority” can be interpreted as categorizing people as either white or nonwhite and is not universally accepted language for describing groups of people of various races and ethnicities.
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With Tarrant County funding, UT Southwestern’s Moncrief Cancer Institute expands cancer screening programs for underserved residents
In March, UTSW’s Moncrief Cancer Institute (MCI) unveiled its new 36-foot Mobile Screening Clinic, funded by Tarrant County through a three-year, $9 million grant. The new clinic gives Moncrief a second mobile outreach unit and is expected to double the breast and prostate cancer screenings MCI delivers to eligible, underserved residents in Tarrant County.
Take a look at Moncrief’s new Mobile Screening Unit and learn more about its services.
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Gut microbiome offers clues to disparities in rectal cancer
According to the American Cancer Society, about 20% of all colorectal cancer cases are now in people younger than age 55, and Hispanic populations have been found to have a higher risk of early-age diagnosis.
Simmons Cancer Center scientists looked into factors contributing to these statistics by examining gut microbiomes from 64 rectal cancer patients treated at Parkland Health and UT Southwestern. The researchers discovered that white Hispanic patients had a significant presence of a bacterial family known for both improved glucose metabolism as well as higher rates of inflammatory disease and chemotherapy-induced toxicity. Among Hispanics, this bacterial family has also been linked with higher obesity, a potential risk factor for colorectal cancers.
Read more about the study and how it could benefit colorectal cancer prevention and treatment.
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UT Southwestern researchers help cancer patients from diverse backgrounds access clinical trials
Racial and ethnic minority populations as well as other diverse patient groups are commonly underrepresented in cancer clinical trials, in part because they lack access to treatment centers that offer research studies. In addition, these groups often are not offered the opportunity to enroll in clinical trials due to an assumption they will not be interested.
With funding from the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas, Stand Up To Cancer, and the American Cancer Society, Simmons Cancer Center aims to improve access to cancer clinical trials by helping patients from underserved communities navigate the complex clinical trials landscape.
Read more about the steps Simmons researchers are taking to help more patients benefit from cancer treatment breakthroughs.
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Can food be a prescription for community health?
Jaclyn Albin, M.D., UT Southwestern Associate Professor of Pediatrics and Internal Medicine, is on a mission to improve public health by getting nutritious food on people’s plates, making it easy to cook, and ensuring it tastes good. Through the UT Southwestern Culinary Medicine Program that she co-founded with registered dietitian Milette Siler, Dr. Albin has been equipping health care professionals and community members with tools to prevent disease through nutrition and lifestyle strategies.
This spring, the UTSW Culinary Medicine team is launching group medical visits in community partner kitchens near UT Southwestern Medical Center at RedBird.
Learn more about Dr. Albin and her delicious approach to good health, which she discussed this month as part of the UTSW President’s Lecture Series.
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Celebrate spring with a hearty, seasonal salad
“Blackberries, red onions, and basil are in season this month in Texas,” says Nicole Haaf, RD, a member of Simmons Cancer Center’s Oncology Nutrition team.
Nicole recommends tossing these fresh spring ingredients into a hearty salad like this balsamic chicken salad recipe by Erin Clarke of Well Plated.
Erin’s salad is a colorful mix of berries, red onions, and spinach, coated with honey-balsamic dressing. The combination is topped with grilled honey-balsamic chicken, tangy feta, avocado, basil, and a sprinkling of crunchy pecans.
This dish is high in fiber, which has several health benefits. Fiber helps control blood sugar and makes you feel full longer. When you feel full, you are less likely to overeat. Fiber also helps keep your digestive tract healthy and lowers the risk of colon cancer.
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Free Cancer Screenings and Community Events | | |
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Moncrief Cancer Institute – free mobile cancer screenings
UT Southwestern’s Moncrief Cancer Institute is offering free breast cancer screenings at the following locations in the coming weeks. To learn about qualifications and schedule an appointment, call 817-288-9970. For future screenings, visit Moncrief’s Event Calendar.
Mammogram clinics
Saturday, April 20, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
For His Kingdom Church
5701 Westcreek Dr., Fort Worth, TX 76133
Saturday, April 27, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Truevine Baptist Church
3732 Miller Ave., Fort Worth, TX 76119
Tuesday, April 30, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Central YMCA
2200 W. Davis St., Arlington, TX 76001
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Food and Drug Administration Office of Minority Health and Health Equity Panel Discussion: Strategies To Increase Clinical Trial Participation for Diverse Communities
Wednesday, April 17, 10 a.m. CDT | Zoom
Members of the Racial and Ethnic Minority Acceleration Consortium for Health Equity (REACH) will discuss their ongoing work to improve clinical trial participation among racial and ethnic minority, rural, urban, and other communities they serve. Register today via Zoom.
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NIMHD Fireside Chat
With the Honorable Louis W. Sullivan, M.D.
Monday, April 22, Noon CDT
NIH Videocast
In honor of National Minority Health Month, the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD) will celebrate its history and evolution as well as Dr. Sullivan’s contributions to the founding of the institute and the National Institutes of Health Office of Minority Health. Learn more.
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Friday Night Funnies – An Improv Comedy Show
Friday, April 26, 6 to 7 p.m.
Cancer Support Community Dallas
Community Room
8196 Walnut Hill Lane, LL10, Dallas, TX 75231
All cancer survivors, caregivers, health care providers, and advocates are invited to Friday Night Funnies, hosted by volunteer comedians from across the Metroplex. This interactive show, sponsored by Cancer Support Community North Texas, will feature improv comedy, sketch comedy, standup comedy, and storytelling with a PG-13 rating. Light beverages and snacks will be provided. Register here or by calling 214-345-8230 by Wednesday, April 24, at 5:00 pm.
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PanCAN PurpleStride DFW
Saturday, April 27, 7 a.m.
Fair Park – Court of Honor
3939 Grand Ave., Dallas, TX 75210
Simmons Cancer Center is proud to be a sponsor of this year’s PanCAN PurpleStride walk, which brings together pancreatic cancer survivors, families, caregivers, researchers, and supporters to raise awareness and funds for pancreatic cancer research and patient programs. Please stop by our booth or consider joining a UTSW team: Rad Onc Purple Beam Team, Team Watch Me Whipple, or Team Purple Love Potion.
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Wendy & Emery Reves International Breast Cancer Symposium
Friday and Saturday, May 3 to 4
T. Boone Pickens Biomedical Building
UT Southwestern Medical Center
6001 Forest Park Road, Dallas, TX 75235
Breast cancer providers, scientists, students, patient advocates, and interested individuals from industry and the community are invited to attend the Wendy & Emery Reves International Breast Cancer Symposium. Interdisciplinary experts from across the country will discuss recent progress in breast cancer research and clinical care. Learn more and register here.
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Parkland Health – no-cost breast cancer screenings
Parkland’s Moody Center for Breast Health is providing no-cost screening mammograms for women living in certain Dallas County ZIP codes. If you are age 40 or older and have not had a mammogram in the past 12 months, check out the events below and register online. Or visit the Parkland Health website for future events. For more information, call 214-266-3333.
Saturday, May 11, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Moody Center for Breast Health
5151 Maple Ave., Dallas, TX 75235
Register here
Saturday, May 18, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Bexar Redevelopment
5411 Bexar St., Dallas, TX 75215
Register here
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Susan G. Komen Pink Out the Park
Tuesday, May 14, 7:05 p.m.
Globe Life Field
734 Stadium Dr, Arlington, TX 76011
PINK Out Globe Life Field and support the fight against breast cancer as the Texas Rangers take on the Cleveland Guardians. A portion of each ticket purchased will benefit Susan G Komen. Purchase tickets here.
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North Texas Prostate Cancer Coalition (NTxPCC)
Prostate Cancer Symposium 2024
Saturday, May 18, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Cooper Hotel & Conference Center
12230 Preston Road, Dallas, TX 75230
This free annual NTxPCC event offers education, resources, and connection for prostate cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers. UTSW physicians will join other medical experts to share the latest advances in prostate cancer diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship. Attendees will also hear from a motivational speaker and enjoy a continental breakfast and box lunch. Vendors will showcase products and services of interest to the prostate cancer community. Register here.
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We Can Win Foundation’s
“Together We Win” Prostate and Breast Cancer Symposium 2024
Saturday, May 18, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Life Center United Methodist Church
220 S. Cockrell Hill Road, DeSoto, TX 75115
The “Together We Win” Symposium is back with a panel of doctors from the fields of radiology, oncology, and urology sharing the latest information on breast and prostate cancer technology, treatment, and resources. This year’s event will also feature a national expert discussing sexual health during cancer treatment. Reserve a seat for lunch, education, and giveaways here. Ticket price: $20
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14th Annual Joining FORCES Against
Hereditary Cancer Conference
June 13–15 | Philadelphia, PA
The Joining FORCEs Against Hereditary Cancer Conference is an international event designed to empower individuals and families facing hereditary cancer. Sessions address important issues for survivors and previvors, their relatives, supporters, and health care providers. Learn more and register.
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Visit the Office of Community Outreach, Engagement, and Equity to learn more about our mission to reduce the cancer burden in North Texas and promote equity in cancer prevention, care, and outcomes through research, education, and engagement, particularly for racially and ethnically diverse, rural, and other underserved communities.
See how you can join us!
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For newsletter questions, comments, or suggestions, email Renee.Barber@UTSouthwestern.edu. | | | | |
