Blue Faery is advancing health awareness by targeting liver cancer risks within Black/African American communities through its annual Love Your Liver campaign. The initiative highlights critical health disparities, revealing that Black individuals are 1.5 times more likely to develop liver cancer compared to the general population. This disparity makes targeted education and intervention particularly urgent for these communities.
The campaign features two free virtual educational workshops designed to provide community members with essential knowledge about liver cancer prevention and management. The first workshop on February 3, 2025, will feature Dr. Cristal Brown, a gastroenterologist and transplant hepatologist from UT Health Austin. The second workshop on February 28, 2025, will be led by Dr. Lewis Roberts, a gastroenterologist and liver cancer researcher from the Mayo Clinic. These sessions aim to demystify liver cancer and provide actionable information to community members.
Underlying health conditions such as type 2 diabetes and hepatitis C can significantly increase liver cancer risks, making education and early detection paramount. Dr. Brown emphasized the importance of understanding risk factors and connecting patients with appropriate healthcare resources. The campaign's timing during Black History Month underscores the organization's commitment to addressing health inequities that disproportionately affect Black Americans.
Through its comprehensive approach, Blue Faery offers multiple resources including the Liver Cancer Community for patients and caregivers, and free Patient Resource Guides for Liver Cancer. The organization's three public education programs—Love Your Liver, The Truth About Liver Cancer, and You and Liver Cancer—aim to empower individuals with critical health information. These resources provide ongoing support beyond the workshop series.
By focusing on education and awareness during Black History Month, Blue Faery seeks to address health disparities and provide vital information that could potentially save lives through early detection and proactive health management. The organization's work represents a crucial step toward reducing liver cancer mortality in communities facing disproportionate risks, emphasizing that knowledge and early intervention can significantly impact health outcomes.
