The American Cancer Society has awarded Dr. Camille Ragin founding member of the AC3 a grant to evaluate genetic susceptibility to tobacco smoke among Black individuals. Focusing on whether Black persons metabolize tobacco at a lower efficiency due to genetics, therefore if they are exposed which could ultimately predispose them to tobacco related cancers, specifically head and neck cancers. Read a general summary of the study
The African-Caribbean Cancer Consortium was formed in May 2006 to further the study of viral, genetic, environmental and lifestyle risk factors for cancer in populations of African descent.
Jamaican Camille Ragin PhD, MPH is responsible for the establishment and development of the consortium. A growing number of dedicated researchers based in the United States, Africa and the Caribbean have joined.
The organization’s mission is to study viral, genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors for cancer risk and outcomes in populations of African descent. The AC3 will be a broad-based resource for education, training and research on etiology, screening, prevention, treatment and survivor-ship related to cancer in populations of African descent.
While conducting their studies, the overarching goal of the organization is to build knowledge, capacity and infrastructure while advancing the science of cancer prevention and control in populations of African ancestry.
Of her own career, Camille Ragin, PhD said “I had no intention of being the person I am today,” while addressing a crowd at the Franklin Institute on March 23, tracing her unpredictable path from a childhood in Jamaica to her career as a health disparities researcher at Fox Chase. She was one of the three panelists for “The Color of Science: An Evening with Prominent African American Scientists,” a discussion moderated by the Franklin Institute’s chief astronomer, Derrick Pitts. The event was part of an Institute series honoring the scientific contributions of people of color.
