February 24, 2026 by Isaiah Warfield As we continue through the first quarter of a new calendar year with a focus on improved health, recognizing February as National Cancer Prevention Month is an important consideration. During the latter part of 2025, the Jefferson Regional Foundation (JRF) team began conducting a review of public health statistics and qualitative insights from the communities within our footprint. Unfortunately, it was revealed that cancer diagnoses are one of the three prevailing health factors within this service area. Another important acknowledgement for me, personally, is the celebration of Black History in February, a time to honor the contributions of African Americans within our country’s history. As I ponder the significance of uplifting prevention recommendations that can lessen the likelihood of a cancer diagnosis, I am honored to simultaneously recall the pioneering work of African American physicians who helped to reshape the treatment practices for people who are diagnosed with cancer. Dr. Jane Cooke Wright, a surgeon and cancer researcher, was a thought leader in the utilization of chemotherapy drugs as a viable option for treating patients. She was one of the many strong advocates who worked to ensure that access to treatment increased. Another barrier-breaking advocate was Dr. Lori Pierce, a radiation oncologist and professor who dedicated her career to the treatment of breast cancer patients. Dr. Pierce served as the first Black president of the American Society of Clinical Oncology and leveraged her influence to improve cancer care for patients. Dr. Harold Freeman, another leading advocate, made advances in enhancing the quality of care for cancer patients and promoted earlier screening, detection, and treatment. A surgical oncologist and former president of the American Cancer Society, Dr. Freeman was revered as the “Father of Patient Navigation”. The accomplishments of these forerunners, and the many other researchers and physicians who also made contributions, emphasize the necessity for continued education and the implementation of healthy lifestyles to minimize the risk of cancer. Prevention increases through education, screenings, and access to quality care. Understanding Data & Local Impact that Supports the Significance of Cancer Prevention Ten communities within the Foundation’s footprint have cancer death rates higher than both Allegheny County (152/100,000 residents) and Pennsylvania (147.6/100,000), based on 2022 data from the Allegheny County Health Department. These communities include Brentwood, Clairton, Duquesne, Glassport, Homestead, McKeesport, Munhall, Port Vue, South Park, and West Mifflin. Additionally, fifteen additional communities in our footprint have a higher percentage of adults with cancer than the county average of 9%, according to 2022 CDC Places data accessed through the Allegheny County Health Department. These communities include Baldwin, Bethel Park, Dravosburg, Elizabeth Borough, Glassport, Jefferson Hills, Liberty, Lincoln, Munhall, Pleasant Hills, Port Vue, Versailles, West Homestead, West Mifflin, and Whitehall. These statistics underscore the urgent need to expand prevention efforts through education and screenings for our neighbors. Prevention Efforts By promoting cancer prevention and encouraging activities that strengthen the body, individuals and communities can improve overall health and well-being. Reducing cancer risk involves adopting healthy lifestyle behaviors, such as consuming a diet rich in fruits and vegetables while limiting processed foods, moderating alcohol consumption, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding tobacco products, and minimizing exposure to environmental toxins. In addition to these lifestyle modifications, the National Institutes of Health recommends routine screenings including colonoscopies, HPV testing, and mammograms to help identify precancerous conditions, which may detect cancer at its earliest and most treatable stages. Cancerchoices.org, an organization dedicated to supporting healing for people with cancer, also promotes a range of self-care practices such as reducing stress, improving sleep, and building meaningful relationships to create a nurturing and health-promoting environment. In general, all steps to lower the risk of disease can reduce the physical, emotional, and financial strain on individuals and communities. NOTE: According to the American Cancer Society, measures that significantly reduce risk do not guarantee complete prevention as some cancers are caused by genetic factors. However, healthy lifestyles enhance one’s ability to combat illness. Available Resources The Jefferson Regional Foundation is fortunate to partner with a variety of nonprofit organizations that support improved health and well-being. Resources include the following: Nutritious Eating 412 Food Rescue: Provides rescued, ready-to-eat, nutritious meals and delivers food to community partners and isolated neighbors. AHN Jefferson Hospital Healthy Food Center: Offers free healthy food and nutrition education for people struggling with food insecurity. Mission AGAPE: Hosts food distribution events and provides nutrition education resources for Clairton, Glassport, Dravosburg, McKeesport, and Versailles residents experiencing food insecurity. Food Assistance Match: Expands access to healthy, local food for low-income households and older adults by expanding the availability and impact of public nutrition incentive programs (SNAP, WIC, and Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Programs) at the Bethel Park Farmers Market. Physical Activity The Athletic Club at the Carnegie of Homestead: Offers fitness equipment, group classes, indoor track, gymnasium, and pool facilities to support active lifestyles. Environmental Awareness Women for a Healthy Environment: Advocates for clean air, water, and healthy environments to reduce environmental health risks. Tobacco Cessation Allegheny County Health Department: Provides smoking prevention resources. Call the PA Quitline at 1-800-QUIT-NOW for free counseling and potential nicotine replacement support. Cancer Screenings AHN Cancer Institute at Jefferson Hospital: Offers comprehensive cancer screening services, including weekday clinics and monthly Saturday screening events. References Allegheny County Health Department. (n.d.). Community Indicators and Health Data.https://www.alleghenycounty.us/Services/Health-Department/Community-Indicators-and-Health-Data American Cancer Fund. (n.d.). Healthy Living.https://americancancerfund.org/healthy-living/ American Cancer Society. (n.d.). ACS Guidelines on Nutrition and Physical Activity for Cancer Prevention.https://www.cancer.org/cancer/risk-prevention/diet-physical-activity/acs-guidelines-nutrition-physical-activity-cancer-prevention.html Cancer History Project. (n.d.). Black Leaders Who Changed the Face of Equitable Cancer Care.https://cancerhistoryproject.com/article/black-leaders-who-changed-the-face-of-equitable-cancer-care/ CancerChoices. (n.d.). Exploring What Matters Now.https://cancerchoices.org/healing-practice/exploring-what-matters-now/ National Cancer Institute. (n.d.). Cancer Screening Overview (PDQ®)–Patient Version. National Institutes of Health.https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/screening/patient-screening-overview-pdq Pennsylvania Department of Health. (n.d.). Enterprise Data Dissemination Informatics Exchange (EDDIE): Childhood Cancer County Statistics.https://www.phaim.health.pa.gov/EDD/WebForms/ChildhoodCancerCntySt.aspx
