Sugar Ray Leonard will be the keynote speaker at the Greenville Health System's Minority Health Summit on April 12.
Leonard, a holder of five weight class championships in his prime and prostate cancer advocate, will speak at the Saturday April 12 event from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the TD Convention Center. Leonard won a gold medal in the 1976 Montreal Olympics.
The event is free for adults and youth 12 and older. There will be motivational speakers, a physician panel discussion, presentations on cancer disparities and myths, entertainment and GHS’ community health partners will share health information and resources. Parking is free and lunch will be provided. Registration is required by calling 1-877-447-4636 or visiting here.
“This year’s Minority Health Summit promises to be a valuable event to gain a better understanding of cancer, how it is detected, treated and possibly prevented,” said Cedrek McFadden, M.D., a GHS colorectal surgeon, who is serving as one of the event’s physician champions this year. “Another important aspect of the summit is the celebration of cancer survivorship and the opportunity for people to see that there is life after a cancer diagnosis.”
There are nearly 14 million people in the United States who are alive after being diagnosed with cancer. That’s good news and a result of advances in screenings and research. However, a disproportionate number of minorities are still diagnosed with the disease in its later stages when it is most difficult to treat.
Cancer is the No. 1 cause of death in South Carolina and Greenville County, according to statistics from the state Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC). National statistics from the American Cancer Society show that African Americans have a slightly lower chance of developing breast and colorectal cancers, but they have higher rates of death from the diseases. Minority men also have higher rates of developing and dying from prostate cancer compared to white men.
“Some of the best ways to reduce these disparities are to make sure people understand the importance of screening, know their family history and discuss screening options with their physicians,” McFadden said.