Dinner focuses on life-saving information for men of color

The second annual Men’s Health Supper designed for men of color begins at 6 p.m. Friday at the First United Methodist Church (Coppertop), 230 E. Skyline Blvd.

This free community event begins with a blessing by Rev. Gabe Green of the Church of the Restoration, and a song by the Red Lake Urban Drum Group.

Speakers are Dr. Arne Vainio of Fond du Lac’s Min-no-aya-win Clinic and Dr. Bret Friday, an oncologist at Essentia Health.

Dr. Vainio will speak on colorectal cancer prevention and early detection, and overcoming barriers to health care.

American Indian and African American men are more likely to be diagnosed and die of colorectal cancer than men in the U.S. population as a whole despite it being one of only two cancers that can be prevented by a screening test.

Dr. Friday will unravel the confusion over prostate cancer screening guidelines and explain why men should talk with their doctor about the risks and benefits of prostate cancer screening before making a decision to be screened.

African American men are more likely to get and die from prostate cancer than any other group of men. American Indians may also have an increased risk of prostate cancer.

Supper includes chicken gumbo, salad, corn bread and fry bread prepared by James Buckner’s Simply Southern Catering, wild rice provided by the Red Lake Urban Office, beverages and dessert.

The Church of the Restoration’s Voices of Victory Choir and the Red Lake Urban Drum Group provide the entertainment. There will be prize drawings and childcare will be available if arrangements are made in advance.

Superior men who need a ride to the event are invited to gather at the Superior Public Library, 1530 Tower Ave. at 5:15 p.m. or the Peter Rich Community Center, 1201 N. Eighth St., at 5:30 p.m. for transportation to and from the event by the church van.

Essentia Health, First United Methodist Church and the American Cancer Society sponsor the second annual Men’s Health Supper.

For information, call Marjorie Johnson at (218) 529-7627, ext. 23.

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