Taking Our Health Seriously

Did you realize that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Diabetes Awareness Month?

Colloquially known as the ‘Big C’ or ‘The Sugar’, neither is no light matter. Most of us know someone who has been touched by one or both of these diseases. African Americans with diabetes are more likely to develop diabetes complications and experience greater disability from the complications than white Americans with diabetes, such as leg and foot amputations. Though breast cancer is less common among black women, we are more likely to have a negative outcome.

credit: CowBoyGirlBeth

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

I dread thinking about major health issues and the discomfort that sometimes accompany screenings. That is why Awareness and Screening campaigns are so important. I am forced to confront my anxieties and do something for myself. Awareness campaigns spread the messages of preventative care and preemptive treatment. We are bombarded with the “we need to know, must know, must be pro-active and not reactive” message.

I’m all for the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure and fundraising for the American Diabetes Association. That money goes to great causes – treatment and the search for the cure. However, the real frontline to battle these diseases is research. Medical research is the only way we can eventually eliminate Breast Cancer and Diabetes. And we need to be as passionate about participating in medical research to fight these diseases as we are about fundraising and screening awareness.

Although I understand the hesitance of members of the Black Community to participate in medical research, we must educate ourselves about research methodology and safety standards in order to overcome these fears.

To calm any concerns you may have let me share this with you.

1. All research investigators are required by federal law to fully inform you about the study – the pros and cons no matter how rare the likelihood of anything bad happening. This must happen before you begin the testing.

2. You can opt-out at anytime, even before the testing begins. If at any time you feel uncomfortable or are unsure of the procedures you can stop.

3. Not all medical research is invasive and involves taking drugs. Some very important basic research involves checking your vital signs or collecting fluids and cell cultures.

4. You receive medical examinations for FREE. Some studies complete specialized examinations and you can request a copy of the test results and take them to your doctor.

5. You can get PAID. Often, participants are compensated for their time. The pay varies.

In fact, check out The Army of Women: a Breast cancer research effort to sign up 1 million women to participate in breast cancer research projects across the nation in order to fight this disease. Next time you hear about a call for research participants for a please seriously consider. When you participate in medical and scientific research you are furthering the cause of these Awareness Campaigns. Research is the bedrock of effective diagnosis and positive prognosis of those with Breast Cancer or Diabetes.