Faces of Faith: Creating a Community Conversation on Cancer Prevention and Survivorship

Presenter

Prachi Patel

Campus

UMass Amherst

Sponsor

Ellen Correa, Department of Civic Engagement & Service-Learning, UMass Amherst

Schedule

Session 5, 3:30 PM - 4:15 PM [Schedule by Time][Poster Grid for Time/Location]

Location

Poster Board C28, Poster Showcase Room (163), Row 3 (C21-C30) [Poster Location Map]

Abstract

Cancer is one of the top causes of death in the United States. One reason for this high statistic is due to disparities in access to early screening tests and lack of understanding about the patterns that are associated with cancer, particularly during the early stages when it can still be caught and treated (Ma & Richardson, 2022). Data suggests that the reason more BIPOC people disproportionately die from cancer is not “due” to race, but rather due to systematic exclusion of BIPOC people from access to means of prevention. Baystate Hospital serves the Western Massachusetts area as it strives to promote inclusivity in society and allow everyone to feel valued in embracing their own identities, specifically in creating a platform for individuals to share what makes them unique through their experiences—faith, family, journey, life experiences, etc. (Baystate Health, 2023). I will be working with Kimothy Jones, program director in the Office of Public Health/Community Health Planning. I am supporting the “Faces of Faith” event, which will support efforts in reducing health disparities and the burden of cancer, which disproportionately impacts BIPOC. Breaking through the silence, and opening up a community conversation about survivorship and hearing people’s experiences is crucial towards achieving health equity. The event is expected to feature a large audience, and recognize honorees who share about the role of faith in their survivorship journey.

Keywords

Cancer Disparities, Health Equity, BIPOC Health, Survivorship Experiences, Community Engagement

Research Area

Psychology and Behavioral Sciences

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