Martin University health summit will focus on cancer in the Black community

The National Center for Racial Equity and Inclusion plans to host a health summit at Martin University on Friday, focusing on the impact of lung, breast and colorectal cancer in the Black community.  

NCREI executive director Davyd Hall said there are higher rates of these three cancers among Black people than in the general population. The summit will educate participants on the signs to look for in these serious forms of cancers, and ways they can be treated. 

It is important to catch cancer early when treatment options are highest and survival rates are the strongest, Hall said.  

There will be healthcare professionals and other organizations present during the event to give participants insight on these forms of cancer along with a chance to hear from panelists who are cancer survivors.  

A few topics that NCREI has covered at their previous health summit are lupus and sickle cells. 

Hall said that the NCREI plans to have health summits every quarter, highlighting various illnesses within the Black community.  

This free event is open to the public and will include breakfast. It will take place Feb. 24 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Fr. Boniface Hardin Gathertorium inside of the university. Those that are interested are invited to register here.

Contact Indianapolis Recorder staff writer Timoria Cunningham at 317-762-7854 or timoriac@indyrecorder.com. Follow her on Twitter @_timoriac.