SOUTHSIDE, Va. (WDBJ) – Several health organizations are teaming up to try to address cancer disparities stretching from Halifax County to Henry County.
In 2014, several organizations formed the Dan River Cancer Task Force to address health issues in the Southside community.
Now, they are focused on educating the younger generation about cancer screening and early detection.
“If you don't go to a healthcare provider to get tested, you're not taking preventative measures,” says Ashley Vanegas, a community outreach and engagement specialist at the University of Virginia Cancer Center. “Then, by the time you find out you have cancer, it's too late, and your chances of recovery are much lower than if you had cancer at a younger age.”
UVA Health experts say the South Side faces rising rates of colorectal cancer and increased cancer deaths among minorities.
They say community barriers such as transportation and health insurance contribute to these disparities.
“If you're facing barriers and you don't have transportation to get to places two or three hours away, try to connect with resources that are within this community,” Vanegas added.
The task force met virtually on Monday to discuss ways to reach out to young people and recruit new volunteers.
They plan to host community workshops and events and partner with schools to promote regular cancer screening.
“If you can catch it early, you have a higher success rate, you have a higher treatment option, and you have a better quality of life than if you treat it later. So while it's a frightening and very anxiety-provoking experience for a lot of people, being proactive and dealing with it can help ease some of that anxiety,” Vanegas said.
For more information and how to get involved, visit the Dan River Cancer Task Force website.
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