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Minority Cancer Awareness Coalition
In 1986, the National Cancer Advisory Board became aware of the higher incidence rates and death rates among African-Americans when compared to other racial/ethnic groups. To address this concern, the National Cancer Institute created six regional offices known as the National Black Leadership Initiative on Cancer (NBLIC). The NBLIC’s primary function was to enlist coalitions aimed at fighting cancer in their communities. In October 1990, Little Red Door Cancer Agency formed the Minority Cancer Awareness Coalition (MCAC) to be one of the NBLIC’s 55 coalitions to combat cancer among African-Americans. In 1997, Little Red Door expanded the MCAC’s target audience to include the Hispanic/Latino population. MCAC has an Advisory Board comprised of bilingual health professionals, medical personnel, cancer survivors, health and social service agencies,media, propieters, and the faith-based community.
Our Mission
The mission of Little Red Door’s Minority Cancer Awareness Coalition is to reduce the rate of cancer incidence and cancer deaths among African-Americans and Hispanic/Latinos in Marion County. The organization addresses its initiatives through educational programs, screenings and literature distribution on cancer prevention and early detection services. The NBLIC and National Cancer Institute’s Cancer Information Service support the MCAC by providing educational training and literature for “Best Practice” programs.
Current Programs
Prostate Education and Early Detection Program:
Since its inception in 1993, this program has been held annually at Citizen’s Health Center in July and September. Additional screening sites include the annual Blackburn Mens Health Fair, Indiana Pacer Games and other various sites throughout the year. Participants receive educational materials, digital rectal exams, PSA tests and hemoccult tests. Since 2003, Little Red Door along with the Indiana Cancer Research Foundation has held an annual Race Against Prostate Cancer in July as one of the kick off events during Indiana Black Expo.
Breast Education and Early Detection Program:
This program is held at various outreach sites. Participants are educated on the importance of breast self examinations (BSE), clinical examinations and mammography. This program also incorporates Little Red Door‘s Mammography Assistance Program.
Down Home Healthy Living:
An educational intervention aimed at decreasing colorectal cancer risk through diet, physical activity, and awareness of cancer early detection. The presentations include cooking demonstrations, exercise/dance, free hemoccult kits (test for blood in the stool), and cookbooks. This program has successfully been conducted at various multi-service centers and at Martin University in the Fall/Spring. [more]
Stay Beautiful – Stay Alive:
This breast/cervical cancer educational program, implemented in February 2001, was conducted in local African-American beauty salons. It is one of NBLIC "Best Practices." Little Red Door partnered with seven additional agencies to assist with facilitating the presentations. This program received excellent media coverage (The Indianapolis Star, The Indianapolis Recorder, WTHR 13, The Amos Brown Show, WTLC). Over 200 African-American women have been reached through this program. [more]
That Men Might Live:
A prostate cancer educational program (that may include screenings) conducted at churches, schools, barber shops and other various local men organizations/groups. Since it’s inception in 2002, over 300 men have been reached through education and thousands through media (Radio One).
Vida Nueva:
A general cancer educational program presented to Hispanics/Latino’s in community churches and organizations.
Health Fairs:
MCAC attends community health fairs (i.e. Indiana Black Expo, La Fiesta) throughout the year and distributes cancer control materials.
Past Programs
The Witness Project:
This breast and cervical cancer educational program was developed in Little Rock, Arkansas and is conducted in African-American churches by African-American breast/cervical cancer survivors. Survivors "witness" about their experience, and educate women on the risk factors/signs of cancer, while empowering women for early detection/screening.
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