By Brooks Welch

Influential figures including multimedia mogul and TV personality Charlamagne tha God are advocating for Colon Cancer prevention in the Black community, a heinous disease that took the life of ‘Black Panther’ Chadwick Boseman.

“Too many of us have had friends or family that have been affected by colorectal cancer, so it’s important for me to speak out and help eliminate any embarrassment surrounding colorectal cancer screening,” said Charlamagne tha God.

According to statistics just released by the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in men and women combined, and Black Americans are about 20% more likely to be diagnosed with colon cancer and 35% more likely to die from it. Despite the recent lowering of the minimum screening age to 45 from 50, many in the Black community will not get screened. (via Black Enterprise)

Alongside Charlamagne Tha God, other ambassadors for Alliance’s “They Didn’t Say” campaign include journalist, TV and podcast host, Brandon “Jinx” Jenkins, award-winning photographer, Mel D. Cole, and director, DJ, and designer, Vashtie.

The campaign’s primary aim is to bring attention to the disparities affecting the Black community and colon cancer. The initiative also wants to combat the misconception of colon cancer only affecting those later in life. (via Ebony)

The “They Didn’t Say” campaign is in collaboration with leading influencer and digital marketing agency Team Epiphany. The creative agency  founder, Coltrane Curtis, feels strongly about the initiative.

“As a Black American, and someone who has a platform for change, I am committed to reaching our community with this important call to action. There are so many issues facing us that we can’t control. Preventing colon cancer is one thing we can do. We aim to shift the scales on health equity with this campaign.”

To find out if you qualify for a free colorectal cancer screening, contact the Colorectal Cancer Alliance helpline at 877-422-2030 or complete the online screening survey at quiz.getscreened.org.