CHRISTUS Health’s Post

Henrietta Lacks, an African American woman born in 1920, left an indelible mark on the landscape of modern medicine through her unwitting contribution to science. Initially shrouded in obscurity, her story has since become representative of the ethical complexities surrounding medical research and the enduring legacy of individuals whose impact transcends their lifetime. 🔬 In 1951, Henrietta Lacks was diagnosed with cervical cancer at Johns Hopkins Hospital. Unbeknownst to her, a sample of her cancer cells was taken for research purposes. These cells, dubbed HeLa cells, exhibited an extraordinary ability to proliferate and survive outside the human body. They became the cornerstone of countless medical breakthroughs, from the polio vaccine development to advancements in cancer research and beyond. 🌐 HeLa cells played a pivotal role in various scientific endeavors. They even journeyed into space aboard the Skylab space station, contributing to our knowledge of how zero gravity affects human cells. ⚖️ Henrietta Lacks' story ignited discussions about informed consent and the use of human tissues for research. Her family, unaware of her contribution for years, became advocates for patient rights and privacy. Her legacy underscores the importance of ethical guidelines in medical research and the need to honor the contributions of individuals like Lacks. Henrietta Lacks may have passed away in 1951, but her legacy lives on in the countless lives saved and the scientific frontiers explored thanks to her remarkable cells. Her story serves as a poignant reminder of the individuals behind scientific progress and the ethical responsibilities that accompany medical research. #MedicalResearch #EthicalGuidelines #PatientRights

Lance Armstrong's indomitable spirit serves as an embodiment of resilience and integrity. Diagnosed with testicular cancer in 1996, doctors gave him a grim prognosis - less than 50% chance of survival. Undeterred, Armstrong fought relentlessly, conquering the disease after grueling treatments, surgery, and sheer determination. His return to professional cycling saw him clinching seven consecutive Tour De France titles between 1999 and 2005, setting records, breaking barriers, and becoming a symbol of hope for millions battling cancer worldwide. However, in 2012, Armstrong admitted to using performance-enhancing drugs throughout his career, tarnishing his legacy. Fallen from grace, he acknowledged his mistake, accepting the consequences wholeheartedly. Though stripped of his accolades, Armstrong emerged stronger, exemplifying humility and ownership of errors committed. Moral: No matter how towering one's accomplishments, falling short of values and principles leaves a void harder to fill than external validation ever could. Embrace failures and learn from them. Greatness does not lie in escaping falls but rising above each challenge encountered, armed with unwavering fortitude, tenacious resolve, and a steadfast commitment to higher ideals.

Child and adult bodies are different, yet when treating childhood brain cancers, there is a one-size-fits-all approach. Just in time for #childhoodcancerawarenessmonth, this @MilkenInstitute Giving Smarter Guide investigates the landscape of rare childhood brain cancer, and recommends ways #philanthropy can step in and make a difference in the lives of millions. https://bit.ly/3Z9iPEb

Important read for #CCAM

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Reader's Review 📚 Dive into the pages of "Winning the War on Cancer: The Epic Journey Towards a Natural Cure" by Sylvie Beljanski. This thought-provoking book just received an outstanding 5/5 stars rating from a discerning reader! To buy the book: https://lnkd.in/dYsRiD5s 🔬 Explore the challenging and contentious themes presented by Sylvie Beljanski. This isn't just a book; it's a deep exploration into the world of cancer therapy and the role of alternative remedies. 💭 Click here to read Mara Valentina's review on OnlineBookClub.org: https://lnkd.in/egWjtbF3 🌱 Get ready to be challenged and inspired as you discover new perspectives on treating and understanding cancer. Beljanski's narrative weaves personal experiences with scientific research, making this book a unique and compelling read. 📘 A must-read for those who are interested in exploring every facet of cancer treatment, from traditional methods to alternative approaches. 🛒 Grab your copy today and be part of a conversation that could change the way we think about cancer treatment and prevention! https://lnkd.in/dYsRiD5s #WinningTheWarOnCancer #SylvieBeljanski #CancerTherapy #AlternativeRemedies #BookReview #HealthcareInnovation #MustRead #ChallengingPerspectives #HealthAwareness

I really enjoyed last week's "Conversations with Black Pharma" featuring Fitzroy Dawkins, M.D. It was a conversation based on his book “Fighting for Survival: Conquering Cancer and the African American Patient” My main takeaways were: We do not have to automatically view cancer patients as end-stage cases; instead, we should see it as an opportunity to build on our legacy of success in treating cancer patients. I also gained an understanding of why African Americans are cautious regarding clinical trials. This caution stems from the justified grievances of the past, such as the unethical Tuskegee experiments—a period so troubling that even Bill Clinton, as a United States president, offered an apology. However, these dark periods also catalysed great changes beneficial to ALL Americans. Now, all clinical trials require informed consent forms written at an eighth-grade reading level, participation must be voluntary, and patients must receive regular monitoring. Dr. Dawkins also touched on how spirituality and religion can act as barriers for African Americans considering clinical trials. As one of the most spiritual and religious ethnic groups, with a large percentage adhering to the "prosperity doctrine," there is a belief that good deeds yield good outcomes and that prayer can resolve any adversity, including illness, which may be seen as a lack of faith or a divine punishment. Some believe that strong faith corrects ailments and that God is expected to intervene (e.g., in curing cancer). Dr. Dawkins proposed a mindset shift 🌄 where, instead of thinking, "I will pray and it will go away," more African Americans should see medicines as God-given miracles aiding them on the journey to a better life. After this enlightening conversation, I strongly feel that we need more interaction and collaboration between Pharma and faith leaders in minority communities! If you are interested check out the book: https://amzn.eu/d/fCG2Yky #ConversationsWithBlackPharma #ClinicalTrials #DiversityInMedicine #FaithAndMedicine

Honored to be elected to the National Academy of Medicine today as a physician-scientist committed to bringing basic science to medicine. This election recognizes the work of an extraordinary group of post-doctoral fellows, students and colleagues for almost 20 years. Grateful also to Icahn Mount Sinai leadership for their vision and support to facilitate new initiatives like TARGET and INTERACT. Find out how these two programs in PrIISM are forging links between science & medicine to advance new therapies into the clinic in our SPECIALTY REPORT >>> https://loom.ly/0HIqtYo

#HappyEaster to all who celebrate! We thought: What better way to celebrate this day than to share the story of a young person who got a new lease on life? Read our latest blog from Sarcoma patient, Matt Sha. https://lnkd.in/dUH_cA_c

October 1st marked the start of a new era as the FLC's elected Board members took office for a two-year term including FLC Board Chair, Whitney Hastings from the National Cancer Institute (NCI). This historic moment sees female Chairs elected consecutively for the first time in FLC history. Under outgoing Chair Linda Burger, we achieved milestones in diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. With 15 years of experience, Whitney is ready to continue moving the FLC forward, "I'll work to help members optimize FLC's network and resources." Read more about what’s in store for the future of the FLC: https://bit.ly/48J0fHj

🎥 Excited to share this insightful video by the American Cancer Society (ACS). It underscores the critical importance of diversity and equity in breast cancer research. Ensuring diverse representation in research not only enhances scientific understanding but also leads to better, more inclusive healthcare outcomes for all. Let’s amplify the conversation and continue striving for equity in every aspect of cancer research. #BreastCancerResearch #DiversityInResearch #EquityInHealthcare