Washington, D.C. – Faced with disproportionately high rates of cancer morbidity and mortality in Wards 7 and 8 of the District of Columbia and southern Prince George’s County, the Sibley Oncology Clinic at United Medical Center (UMC), will hold a Cancer Awareness Day on Saturday, May 20, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at UMC located at 1310 Southern Ave., S.E.
“Washington, D.C. has the highest mortality rate in the United States for several types of cancer including female breast, colon and rectum, prostate, liver, and others,” said Dr. Melvin Gaskins, Director of the clinic. “Of the eight Wards in D.C., Ward 7 and 8 have the highest cancer death rates.”
“The Oncology Clinic’s Cancer Awareness Day will enable physicians to provide the community with information about cancer, how it spreads and details on lung, breast, colon, and prostate cancer. Some of our goals include educating community members about cancer warning signs, treatment options, and encouraging people to regularly get screened.”
Preventive measures through diet and life style, along with early detection can mitigate the impact of cancer in Wards 7, 8, and southern Prince George’s County. In addition, recent reports indicate that the health disparities in Ward 7 and Ward 8 are accompanied by economic disparities caused by declining incomes while much of the rest of the city has enjoyed rising economic fortunes.
“Many of the patients we have seen at the clinic over the past two years have been in stage three or stage four with their cancer and that is something we want to change,” said Dr. Gaskins. “The Sibley Oncology Clinic at United Medical Center serves as a cancer care medical home, coordinating the entire spectrum of cancer care including initial consultation, screening, comprehensive treatment plan, and follow-up.”
Cancer Awareness Day activities will include panel discussions with physicians from the National Cancer Institute (NCI), Howard University Hospital, Sibley Memorial Hospital, United Medical Center and informational sessions on lung, breast, prostate and colon cancers. There will also be presentations on healthy eating alternatives and a panel comprised of cancer survivors and caretakers. Attendees will be encouraged to engage with the physicians to ask them questions about cancer and learn more about the disease.
Free continental breakfast and lunch will be served. There will also be prizes and other complimentary gifts for people who attend. Parking is free.
All are welcome. However, people who wish to attend are encouraged to register by visiting www.united-medicalcenter.com and clicking on the link for Cancer Awareness Day.
The Sibley Oncology Clinic at United Medical Center is a collaboration between Sibley Memorial Hospital, Howard University Hospital, and United Medical Center designed to reduce the high cancer mortality rate among residents of Wards 7, 8 and southern Prince George’s County.
For more information, contact: David Thompson United Medical Center
[email protected] 202-574-6954 (office)
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