Chief medical and scientific officer for the American Cancer Society, Dr Otis Brawley addressing the audience at Relay for Life
ACS Pays Tribute to Cancer Survivors at the Jamaica Cancer Society Relay for Life
Chief Medical & Scientific Officer of the American Cancer Society Pays Tribute to Cancer Survivors at Relay for Life
Dr. Otis Brawley, Chief Medical and Scientific Officer for the American Cancer Society, is responsible for promoting the goals of cancer prevention, early detection, and quality treatment through cancer research and education. He champions efforts to decrease smoking, improve diet, detect cancer at the earliest stage, and provide the critical support cancer patients need. He also guides efforts to enhance and focus the research programmes, upgrade the Society’s advocacy capacity, and concentrate community cancer control efforts in areas where they will be most effective. Dr. Brawley is a global leader in the field of health disparities research and plays an integral role in the American Cancer Society’s efforts to eliminate disparities in access to quality cancer care.
You guys are what being a scientist and a physician is all about
Giving the keynote address at the Jamaica Cancer Society’s Relay for Life event on Saturday at the Police Officers’ Club, Dr. Brawley recognized and paid tribute to the approximately 300 cancer survivors attending the event. “You guys are what being a scientist and a physician is all about”, he shared. “You inspire us to do more in cancer research and to investigate new methods of treatment to combat this disease”, he went on. He further shared that education about cancer must remain a national priority. Globally, it is gratifying to note that the number of cancer survivors is increasing whilst the number of individuals dying from cancer is decreasing. Increased health promotion and changes in lifestyle practices are major contributors for this decline. The World Health Organisation has published that tobacco use, harmful use of alcohol, unhealthy diet and physical inactivity are the main risk factors for cancer worldwide.
From Left Mrs. Margot Jameson , Relay For Life Event Chair, Dr. Otis Brawley and Dr. the Honourable Angela Brown -Burke, Mayor of Kingston ,and centre, Mrs. Yulit Gordon Executiv Director Jamaica cancer Society surrounded by members of Team Mela-No-More of Campion College at Relay For Life.
You inspire us to do more in cancer research and to investigate new methods of treatment to combat this disease
Dr. Brawley lauded the efforts of the Jamaica Cancer Society for 60 years of fighting cancer in Jamaica, and the support that the organization gives to cancer patients and their families. He encouraged the patrons to give the Society their full support as they work to reach more communities across the island and positively impact the lives of more Jamaicans.
Executive Director of the Jamaica Cancer Society Yulit Gordon said:
Relay for Life is the Jamaica Cancer Society’s largest fundraiser and cancer awareness initiative. Through this event, the Society is able to contribute to the global cancer research initiatives, expand and sustain its public health education and advocacy programmes and provide support to newly diagnosed cancer patients
Relay for life in the press:
- Sagicor Shines At Relay For Life
- Cancer survivors recognised at Relay for Life
Images from JCS Relay for Life.
