Colon Cancer Personal Statement

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. African-Americans have the highest death rate and shortest survival of any racial and ethnic group in the United States for most cancers, reflecting serious socioeconomic disconnects and disparities as well as significant barriers to high quality prevention, early detection, and treatment information and services. The lifetime chance of dying from cancer is approximately 25 percent for black men and 20 percent for black women. As a young, African-American female from the southern United States with a familial history of cancer, I am inherently at risk for breast cancer, cervical cancer and colon cancer. While I consider my lifestyle to be among the healthiest, these risks still

During my research in my Bachelor’s and Master’s program, I focused on prevention from behavioral, social and structural perspectives. To aspire for continued academic and professional excellence, it is necessary to pursue this fellowship as the perfect academic and training environment in which to do so. My greatest achievement has been the research I have accomplished and programs that followed. In a research program sponsored by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, I researched the individual health effects that social videos can have on taboo health topics such as HIV and STD prevention and awareness as well as sexual health. Additionally, assisting and coordinating research projects in with UNICEF Jamaica has solidified my interest in the field of research and development. My strengths include my leadership abilities, my motivation to succeed and commitment to organization, flexibility and commitment to producing quality and sustainable programs. A weakness that I am constantly improving is my ability to say no, as I am passionate and seek to be involved in all aspects of research and program

The NCI fellowship will equip me with the vital tools and training needed to conduct quality, relevant research that focuses on contemporary cancer prevention and control problems and multifaceted solutions. With this fellowship, I have goals of not only seeking to address the diverse needs of different populations, but also contributing to the vast public health and health promotion field to increase health equity while simultaneously addressing various risk factors among all populations. After graduation, I aspire to consistently contribute to the ongoing battle waged against cancer, cancer health disparities and the environmental factors that contribute to cancer conditions. Working in your prestigious fellowship capacity, I will bring viable and sustainable solutions to both individuals and the community to assist in the diminution of cancer worldwide. No other field can bring me the same level of personal or professional satisfaction and gratitude. I am particularly interested in addressing predisposing factors and health outcomes in cancer risks, culture and cancer prevention among a minority and underserved populations, behavioral cancer control and prevention strategies and targeted treatments improving the quality of life among women and children with