by By Armin Weinberg, PhD, Guest Contributor
We are excited to present the Intercultural Cancer Council (ICC) records, a testament to the dedicated efforts of a passionate network of professionals striving to address and diminish cancer health disparities across diverse communities. Housed at the McGovern, this collection offers a comprehensive look into the ICC’s impactful work, including reports, fact sheets, biennial meeting programs, national initiative participation, partnerships, photograph collections, and a series of oral histories and interviews. You can find available collection materials and descriptions on our collection site at https://archives.library.tmc.edu/ic-107.
Background and Purpose
The Intercultural Cancer Council was established at the suggestion of Pamela Jackson to build upon and sustain the momentum initiated by Lovell Jones through the biennial meetings that began in 1996. These biennials have been pivotal in fostering dialogue and collaboration among healthcare professionals, researchers, advocates, policymakers, and community leaders from various cultural backgrounds. Each meeting was organized around a timely and often provocative theme, designed to address pressing issues related to cancer disparities.
Biennial Meetings
The ICC biennial meetings served as crucial platforms for discussing cancer-related issues within diverse communities. They provided a space for participants to:
- Share Insights: Discuss culturally sensitive approaches to cancer prevention and control.
- Exchange Best Practices: Collaborate on effective strategies to reduce cancer disparities.
- Enhance Knowledge: Cover a broad range of topics including healthcare access, cancer screening and early detection, and culturally tailored interventions.
These gatherings also offered opportunities for networking, fostering partnerships, and strengthening alliances among stakeholders committed to advancing health equity in cancer care.
Advocacy and Policy Impact
One of the key components of the biennial meetings was advocacy. Participants had the opportunity to visit Capitol Hill, engaging with legislators and leaders from federal entities like the FDA and NIH. These interactions provided a platform for sharing experiences, learning from survivors, providers, and advocates, and influencing cancer-related policies at the national level.
Awards and Recognition
The ICC also placed a strong emphasis on recognizing individuals and organizations making significant contributions to cancer care. Prestigious awards such as the Leffall, Hope, and Height Awards celebrated those who were driving change, addressing critical needs, and leading the charge in cancer health disparities. The Leap of Faith Award recognized outstanding achievements and bold initiatives.
Student Mentoring and Engagement
The ICC’s commitment to the next generation is evident through its Collegiate Cancer Council and student mentoring programs. These initiatives aim to inspire and support students pursuing careers in cancer research, advocacy, and healthcare.
Cultural Sharing and Unity
The biennial meetings celebrated cultural diversity and unity through multicultural dress, food, and shared experiences. This cultural exchange enriched the dialogue and strengthened the collective effort to address cancer disparities.
Resource Development
The ICC provided valuable resources, including fact sheets and reference materials, to illustrate and address cancer disparities. These resources highlighted the gaps in data sources like SEER and the challenges associated with race and ethnicity designations in cancer research.
The ICC Archive Collection at the McGovern stands as a comprehensive resource for understanding and advancing the efforts to address cancer health disparities. Explore the collection to gain insights into the ICC’s impactful work and its ongoing commitment to improving health outcomes for all individuals, regardless of their background.