Montefiore Einstein Center for Cancer Care, a premier cancer center that provides patient-centered care for prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer, will co-host Let's Talk Cancer, a bilingual cancer education forum on November 3 with community partners to address common cancer treatment misconceptions and access to care. The forum, being held in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, will focus on local health resources for those impacted by cancer.

“We feel privileged to collaborate with Assemblyman Marcos Crespo, the Bronx Borough president, local councilman and other healthcare providers to inform Bronx residents about access to preventive and cutting-edge cancer care and research,” said Fernando J. Camacho, M.D., director, Community Oncology Program, Montefiore. “We plan on addressing barriers that too often prevent minority and medically underserved communities from accessing state-of-the-art oncology treatments, wellness programs and cancer support services. We also look forward to dialogue about culturally-specific educational resources.”

Hispanics represent more than half of the population in the Bronx. Nationwide, cancer is the leading cause of death for this demographic. The most common cancer impacting Hispanics is breast cancer, which is less likely to be diagnosed at the earliest stage in Hispanic women, compared to non-Hispanic white women. This is the case even after accounting for differences in age, socioeconomic status and detection methods.

“No one should suffer from cancer because they lack current information about screening or treatments,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. “We are proud to host this important event to make sure our community is aware of the most commonly diagnosed cancers and to dispel any myths or misconceptions related to diagnosis and care.”

Let’s Talk about Cancer will be co-hosted by Assemblyman Marcos Crespo, American Cancer Society, Leukemia & Lymphoma Foundation, Gilda’s Club of New York City, Phipps Neighborhoods and SHARE. The event will take place at 2:00pm at the Justice Sonia Sotomayor Community Center on 1000 Rosedale Avenue.

The Community Oncology Program (COP) at Montefiore Einstein Center for Cancer Care has been creating a network of partnerships with local providers, clergyman, district representatives and other community leaders to improve availability of up-to-date information on cancer research and reduce healthcare disparities. Later in November, the program will host events with LatinaShare and Gilda’s Club of New York City to provide updates on breast and ovarian cancer treatments and services.

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