Grassroots Initiative Thrives on Mutual Communal Support, Offering a Vibrant, Native Viewpoint
In a significant move towards inclusivity in cancer care, Karen Mustian, a renowned research leader at the Wilmot Cancer Institute, and Reverend Patrina Freeman are collaborating on a pilot study to introduce yoga as a means of supporting cancer survivors within Rochester's Black community.
The pilot study, set to be conducted in the basement of Helping Hand Missionary, aims to address a critical gap in current yoga programs. Mustian notes that while yoga has proven beneficial for people facing cancer, it has not met the needs of underrepresented groups, particularly Black individuals.
Mustian's standard yoga program is being culturally adapted and renamed "SOUL Yoga," with the acronym standing for "strengthening," "openness," "uplifting," and "letting go." This adaptation is a testament to the collaborative efforts between Mustian and Freeman, who have been working together to ensure the program resonates with the community it serves.
Freeman, a member of Wilmot's Cancer Community Action Council (CCAC), emphasises the importance of understanding one's own culture and the culture of others before moving forward in research. She explains that when African Americans refer to "faith," it doesn't always imply Christianity, but can encompass spirituality or their walk with God. This understanding is crucial in creating a yoga program that is inclusive and culturally sensitive.
Freeman also addresses potential Eastern medicine and religious associations that may be a turn-off for Black and brown communities, highlighting the need for cultural adaptation in making yoga accessible to these communities.
Mustian acknowledges the wisdom and knowledge of Freeman and the CCAC, stating they know far more than she does about many things. This humble admission underscores the importance of collaboration and community engagement in research.
In addition to the pilot study, Mustian is seeking input from Freeman and others on a National Cancer Institute grant involving yoga as a way to reduce pain among Black cancer patients. This grant could provide critical funding for future research in this area.
The Wilmot's Community Outreach and Engagement (COE) office is facilitating more interactions between researchers like Karen Mustian and CCAC members. This collaboration is crucial in fostering community engagement to enhance cancer care and promote scientific advances.
The CCAC plays a vital role in this process, acting as a bridge between researchers, clinicians, and the community. Through the CCAC, researchers like Mustian engage community members in the research process, ensuring studies are culturally relevant, accessible, and address real-world concerns. This collaboration leads to improved patient-centered outcomes, facilitates trust and collaboration, and advances scientific innovation, all of which benefit patients and propel cancer research forward.
Mustian, who has been studying the use of yoga for cancer patients for several years and has risen to the top of the field, admits that the accrual of Black individuals to her clinical trials has been almost non-existent. However, with the support of Freeman and the CCAC, she hopes to change this and make a meaningful difference in the lives of Black cancer survivors in Rochester.
- This collaboration between Karen Mustian and Reverend Patrina Freeman involves a pilot study that aims to introduce yoga as a supportive measure for cancer survivors within Rochester's Black community.
- The SOUL Yoga program, an adaptation of Mustian's standard yoga program, is destined for the basement of Helping Hand Missionary and is designed to address a gap in current yoga programs, particularly concerning underrepresented groups like Black individuals.
- Freeman, a member of Wilmot's Cancer Community Action Council (CCAC), stresses the significance of cultural understanding in research, noting that African Americans' references to "faith" are not solely tied to Christianity but can extend to spirituality or their connection with God.
- Mustian is working with Freeman and the CCAC on a National Cancer Institute grant aimed at exploring yoga as a means to alleviate pain for Black cancer patients, potentially providing vital funding for future research in this area.
- The Wilmot's Community Outreach and Engagement (COE) office is instrumental in facilitating interactions between researchers like Mustian and CCAC members, which is essential for community engagement, scientific advancements, and improving patient care.
- CCAC serves as a bridge between researchers, clinicians, and the community, allowing for collaboration and ensuring that studies are culturally relevant, accessible, and focused on addressing real-world issues.
- Mustian, a pioneer in the field of using yoga for cancer patients, admits that the participation of Black individuals in her clinical trials has been minimal, but with the help of Freeman and the CCAC, she aims to change this and make a substantial impact on the lives of Black cancer survivors in Rochester.
- In addition to yoga, the SOUL Yoga program will likely incorporate elements of workplace-wellness, mental health, men's health, women's health, skin care, nutrition, fitness, and exercise in its holistic approach to patient care.
- Collaborative efforts between researchers, clinicians, and the community are also relevant in promoting health and wellness, addressing chronic diseases like cancer, and advocating for policies that make essential therapies, treatments, and medicare, such as CBD, more accessible to underserved populations.
