The Hickman Cancer Center is looking for community partners to help improve the health of the minority population

SYLVANIA, April 4, 2008: The Hickman Cancer Center at Flower Hospital, part of the ProMedica Cancer Institute, has established the ProMedica Minority Cancer Coalition to help raise awareness about health issues that are having a significant impact on diverse groups in southeast Michigan and northwest Ohio.

The coalition’s emphasis will be on education and research, annual health screenings, available treatment options, as well dispelling myths about minority cancer care issues.

Research shows that minority groups across the nation are experiencing higher rates of breast, cervical and prostate cancer, as well as other health problems which include diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.

“These health issues continue to impact minorities at alarming rates and I believe we (ProMedica) have a responsibility to help address this crisis,” says Jewell Lightner, chair, ProMedica Minority Cancer Coalition. “Increasing awareness is a critical first step and we need the support of other organizations to make an impact.”

While the initial plan is to begin the ProMedica Minority Cancer Coalition at the Hickman Cancer Center at Flower Hospital in Sylvania, ProMedica plans to expand the coalition system-wide within a year to serve as an advisory group in conjunction with the ProMedica Cancer Institute.

Ann Kujawa, director of Oncology Services for Flower Hospital and The Toledo Hospital, has been instrumental in developing the coalition. Her hope is that by uniting the community, they can begin to implement solutions to address health and healthcare-related barriers that face minorities.

“Our ultimate goal is to improve access to quality care, including regular cancer screenings and check ups,” says Kujawa. “By partnering with other community organizations, we can reach more people and get better results.”