Our surgical oncologist Steven Evans, MD is highly engaged with the community, having embarked on countless projects over the last few years like helping to raise funds for the American Cancer Society in the Real Men Wear Pink Campaign and educating the public about the problem of health care disparities among African Americans. COVID-19 hasn’t managed to decelerate Dr. Evans’ enthusiasm to help the community, as he engaged some recent efforts that were adapted to reach audiences in our current era of social distancing.
Dr. Evans presented along with LaJuana Fuller, Director of Womens Imaging at UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital in a Pittsburgh Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Community Empowerment Webinar entitled “Breast Cancer Awareness During the COVID-19 Pandemic” on June 11. The webinar provided a virtual space for discussion on breast cancer awareness and provided information about valuable resources and coping mechanisms addressing the effects that many experienced while carrying out the Governor's stay at home order. Dr. Evans shared important information on early breast cancer detection and treatment during COVID-19 and spoke about the unique burden African American women face when it comes to breast cancer. The event was recorded and can be viewed on the sorority’s Facebook page.
One June 23, Dr. Evans helped lead the UPMC McKeesport and UPMC Hillman Cancer Center Cancer Survivor and Caregiver Support Group to address breast, colon, lung, and prostate cancer among African-American women and men. In this virtual educational event, Dr. Evans and other expert clinicians and community leaders discussed support and resources for patients and families affected by cancer. Topics included common cancer treatments; resources for the mind, body, and spirit; clinical trials; patient navigators; and how many community organizations can help support patients and their families. Participants shared their personal stories, which Dr. Evans called “amazing and profound.” After the meeting, Dr. Evans and the event leaders distributed 100 “boxes of blessings“ donated by the Community Food Bank to meeting attendees at Bethlehem Baptist Church in McKeesport in appreciation for their participation, honesty, and integrity and to help in these challenging times. The event was recorded and can be viewed on the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center Facebook page.
