Antioch Missionary Baptist Church in Carol City might seem an unlikely site for a Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center clinical trial. In the hospital environment, UM researchers were having difficulty recruiting black women.
So they devised a special program called Project Care, with partners in the community. Instead of medications, the women get a chef-prepared organic lunch, one of the benefits of this unique 10-week program specifically for black women who have completed breast cancer treatment.
“I was particularly struck by the statistic that black women are less likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer but are more likely to die of the disease,” said Dr. Suzanne Lechner, the study's leader. Project Care offers these women free lessons in stress management techniques and wellness education. The five-year study will look at what kind of impact this will have on their lives.
“Our project focuses on teaching them the connection between the mind and body," said Dr. Nicole Whitehead, who runs the group. "That's what's really important and in the context of cancer. Really taking care of yourself and understanding that connection becomes more important.”
“I was particularly struck by the statistic that black women are less likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer but are more likely to die of the disease,” said Dr. Suzanne Lechner, the study's leader. Project Care offers these women free lessons in stress management techniques and wellness education. The five-year study will look at what kind of impact this will have on their lives.
“Our project focuses on teaching them the connection between the mind and body," said Dr. Nicole Whitehead, who runs the group. "That's what's really important and in the context of cancer. Really taking care of yourself and understanding that connection becomes more important.”
Audrey Sears just completed her participation in Project Care. When she started 10 weeks ago, “I was crying all the time for no reason at all," she said. "So I made the decision, I'll go ahead and do it and I did and I'm great and I don't cry much anymore."
This study is funded by The National Institute of Health. Not only is it free, women get up to $500 for participating.
