Message from the Volunteer Advisory Council
Honoring Black History Month Through Pancreatic Cancer Advocacy
February is Black History Month in the United States, an annual celebration that commemorates Black Americans’ achievements, honors their contributions and recognizes their crucial role in U.S. history.
For PanCAN volunteers, Black History Month offers us a meaningful opportunity to honor the experiences, contributions, and resilience of Black communities –particularly as they relate to health equity, caregiving and community leadership.
First, the facts. While pancreatic cancer affects people of all backgrounds, Black Americans are more likely to be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer than any other racial or ethnic group in the United States and have worse outcomes. While more research is needed to understand the exact reason why this disparity exists, long-standing inequities in access to health insurance and health care, systemic bias, later stage diagnosis and lower rates of surgery are contributing factors.
A new scientific study – made possible by PanCAN’s SPARK data platform – also suggests a possible biological explanation for some of the disparities. The study analyzed levels of the traditional pancreatic cancer tumor marker, a molecule called CA 19-9, among patients of different races. The study found that Black patients are less likely to produce CA 19-9 than other races, which means that the molecule cannot be used to monitor disease response and may even decrease the likelihood that their tumors will respond to treatment. These results may provide clues on how better to treat this patient population in the future.
When we educate ourselves about these realities, we are better equipped to try to change them, both by advocating for earlier diagnosis when there are more treatment options and by urging diversity of patients enrolled in clinical trials, so that new medicines and treatments are best suited to treat all patients.
As volunteers, we can also use Black History Month as a time to uplift Black voices within our communities. Black patients, survivors, caregivers, researchers and advocates have powerful stories that deserve to be seen and heard. Sharing stories – in our newsletters, social media or events – honors Black history as a living, ongoing narrative and reminds us that representation matters in awareness, research and support.
This month also reminds us of the critical importance of community partnership. Black History Month encourages collaboration with historically Black churches, civic groups, Black fraternities and sororities and local health organizations that have long served as trusted pillars in Black communities. Once again, PanCAN is here to help, with a comprehensive toolkit of resources specifically aimed at pancreatic cancer in the Black community. Working together to host educational programs, remembrance events, or outreach efforts can help to reach new people and increase our impact in authentic, lasting ways.
As volunteers, we carry forward a mission rooted in compassion and hope. By honoring Black History Month, we affirm that the fight against pancreatic cancer is inseparable from the broader pursuit of equity, remembrance and hope – and that honoring history is a vital part of building a future where all those affected by pancreatic cancer can thrive.
February is Black History Month in the United States, an annual celebration that commemorates Black Americans’ achievements, honors their contributions and recognizes their crucial role in U.S. history.
For PanCAN volunteers, Black History Month offers us a meaningful opportunity to honor the experiences, contributions, and resilience of Black communities –particularly as they relate to health equity, caregiving and community leadership.
First, the facts. While pancreatic cancer affects people of all backgrounds, Black Americans are more likely to be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer than any other racial or ethnic group in the United States and have worse outcomes. While more research is needed to understand the exact reason why this disparity exists, long-standing inequities in access to health insurance and health care, systemic bias, later stage diagnosis and lower rates of surgery are contributing factors.
A new scientific study – made possible by PanCAN’s SPARK data platform – also suggests a possible biological explanation for some of the disparities. The study analyzed levels of the traditional pancreatic cancer tumor marker, a molecule called CA 19-9, among patients of different races. The study found that Black patients are less likely to produce CA 19-9 than other races, which means that the molecule cannot be used to monitor disease response and may even decrease the likelihood that their tumors will respond to treatment. These results may provide clues on how better to treat this patient population in the future.
When we educate ourselves about these realities, we are better equipped to try to change them, both by advocating for earlier diagnosis when there are more treatment options and by urging diversity of patients enrolled in clinical trials, so that new medicines and treatments are best suited to treat all patients.
As volunteers, we can also use Black History Month as a time to uplift Black voices within our communities. Black patients, survivors, caregivers, researchers and advocates have powerful stories that deserve to be seen and heard. Sharing stories – in our newsletters, social media or events – honors Black history as a living, ongoing narrative and reminds us that representation matters in awareness, research and support.
This month also reminds us of the critical importance of community partnership. Black History Month encourages collaboration with historically Black churches, civic groups, Black fraternities and sororities and local health organizations that have long served as trusted pillars in Black communities. Once again, PanCAN is here to help, with a comprehensive toolkit of resources specifically aimed at pancreatic cancer in the Black community. Working together to host educational programs, remembrance events, or outreach efforts can help to reach new people and increase our impact in authentic, lasting ways.
As volunteers, we carry forward a mission rooted in compassion and hope. By honoring Black History Month, we affirm that the fight against pancreatic cancer is inseparable from the broader pursuit of equity, remembrance and hope – and that honoring history is a vital part of building a future where all those affected by pancreatic cancer can thrive.
