When it comes to certain types of cancer, African Americans are disproportionately affected. According to the American Cancer Society, African Americans suffer the highest death rates and shortest survival rates of any racial and ethnic group in the U.S. for most cancers. Examples include higher rates of aggressive forms of breast cancer, higher rates of prostate cancer and deaths, and higher rates of cervical cancer. Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, the No. 6 cancer hospital in the nation and the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center in the state of Florida, is taking further steps to help combat these health disparities.
Moffitt recently spearheaded the establishment of the George Edgecomb Society, which focuses on the elimination of cancer health disparities among blacks and African Americans. It advocates to prevent and cure cancer, educates new members on treatments and research efforts, and awards financial support for research and clinical efforts towards that goal.
The Society is named after the Honorable George E. Edgecomb, the first African-American judge in Hillsborough County, who was diagnosed with cancer and did not have many local options for treatment. Judge Edgecomb passed away from the disease in 1976. He was a very good friend of Mr. H. Lee Moffitt, founder of Moffitt Cancer Center, and served as an inspiration for the Center.
A kickoff event was recently held so supporters could learn more about the George Edgecomb Society. The Inaugural Membership Reception featured GRAMMY Award-winning R&B hip-hop artist Paul Anthony of Full Force, who is a cancer survivor.
Interest, involvement and financial support have already surpassed original expectations, and influential people locally and across the nation are joining the cause.
Click here for more information on the George Edgecomb Society at Moffitt Cancer Center.