Indian American Cancer Network (IACAN)

10/18/2023

IACAN's "Pink Out Sunday" promises to be an exhilarating and impactful event dedicated to raising awareness about breast cancer. This gathering is an opportunity to honor and celebrate the resilience of breast cancer survivors, while also amplifying the voices of our extraordinary speakers who share their insights and experiences.

Your ticket purchase is a direct investment in Indian American Cancer Network (IACAN)'s Breast Health program. In partnership with , we sponsor vital screening mammograms for uninsured South Asians. Register now and get your tickets at https://iacannetwork.org/breast-health-program-registration/?fbclid=IwAR2dw6v5d0GyNZiTYNcAsmv6UY5KGKolowhCRTPO_oCKFDfpUPju-ZudU68
Attendees can anticipate exciting door prizes, delightful pink-themed giveaways, and the opportunity to forge new friendships, all while contributing to a noble cause.

A special shoutout and heartfelt gratitude to H-E-B for their generous grant supporting Pink Out Sunday.

H-E-B

10/13/2023

October 13th is Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day and Indian American Cancer Network (IACAN) would like to take this opportunity to raise awareness, share resources, and offer support.

Please review additional resources found in the top comments.

H-E-B

10/07/2023

10/07/2023

Team IACAN at Susan G. Komen Cure for Race

10/04/2023

Reminder 🎀 Sometimes a little acts of self-care and self-understanding make all the difference. ...

10/03/2023

Join IACAN for fun afternoon Pinking Out with a Fun Fiesta 🎉
Buy your Ticket-🎟️ Pink Out Sunday
https://iacannetwork.org/breast-health-program-registration/

10/01/2023

DID YOU KNOW... That the breast cancer awareness ribbon color wasn't always PINK? Read on...

The history of Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a remarkable journey that started in 1985 when the American Cancer Society, in collaboration with Imperial Chemical Industries, initiated a week-long awareness campaign. Over time, it evolved into a month-long event. The pivotal moment came in 1992 with the introduction of the iconic pink ribbon.

Interestingly, the breast cancer awareness ribbon almost took on a different hue. An initial grassroots effort led by Charlotte Haley featured peach-colored ribbons. Simultaneously, Alexandra Penney, the Editor-in-Chief of Self magazine, joined forces with Evelyn Lauder, Senior Corporate Vice President at Estée Lauder and a breast cancer survivor, to distribute pink ribbons alongside the magazine's second annual Breast Cancer Awareness Month issue.

The wide-reaching influence of Self magazine and the Estée Lauder brand ultimately led to the triumph of pink over peach, and now pink ribbons are used by breast cancer organizations worldwide.

This historical account is courtesy of Breastcancer.org.

09/27/2023

Today is Teal Talk Day, a special day dedicated to honoring those who have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer. This day aims to raise awareness of the disease by encouraging people to talk about it, educate themselves on its symptoms, and offer support to those impacted by it. Remember to know your family history and keep up with exams that are tailored to your specific needs. Please feel welcome to visit us for more information.https://bit.ly/2WK0HVp

09/25/2023

Some moments from The Kick off event of Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Cancer Survivors Support Program at Alings Chinese Bistro. The event highlighted IACAN’s newest program aiming to help south Asian adolescents and young adult cancer survivors and their caregivers in their cancer journey. A much needed program in the south central USA will provide a platform for the young survivors for peer group interactions, and resources and education to AYA survivors and their caregivers.
Thank you Naushad Kermally for Sugar Land and Judge Juli Mathew for highlighting the need of a culturally tailored program serving the young south Asian cancer survivors.
IACAN is very thankful to Alings Chinese Bistro who were the grand sponsors of the event.

Picture credits:

09/10/2023

IACAN gala 10th September 2022

09/04/2023

Please join IACAN on Sunday, 9/24, from 4p-6p at Alings, as we kick off our newest initiative, an Adolescent and Young Adult Alliance (AYA) for our fighters and survivors.

The aim is to provide our children and their families with much needed emotional, mental, and social support.

You can register online at www.iacannetwork.org
Tickets are $15 and includes a drink and small bites, generous sponsorship by Alings Chinese Bistro

09/02/2023

South Asians are the fastest growing immigrant population in the United States and in the greater Houston Area, they are the second largest immigrant group. However, there is minimal information available on South Asian cancer health.
Aiming to increase scholarship on South Asian cancer health needs, IACAN launched its new scholarship program, South Asian Cancer Health Research Scholarship (under IACAN youth program). The application for this scholarship opens today. For further details visit link below:

https://iacannetwork.org/scholarships/

Or email at [email protected]

09/02/2023

Though National Immunization awareness week ended with August, the action towards prevention doesn’t end. IACAN and Open Forum will join to discuss
“HPV Vaccine is Cancer Prevention” with Dr. Sanjay Shete (Deputy Division Head, Cancer Prevention and Population Sciences, Professor, UT MDAnderson Cancer Center and IACAN Advisory Board member) tomorrow at 4:00 PM on FM 103.5 HUMFM RADIO

08/26/2023

HPV vaccine is cancer prevention. It is a gift to your child that will protect them for life. Talk to your child's pediatrician today!!

08/23/2023

Continuous education credit opportunity on breast, colorectal, and liver cancer at Houston Methodist Sugaland Hospital, cosponsored by IACAN

08/21/2023

August is National Immunization Awareness month!! August is also Back To School month!

07/30/2023

IACAN in Health Research

The IACAN health research program was conceived to provide empirical evidence to the South Asian cancer health literature and to inform the development of IACAN's various programs. Since 2017, IACAN and other Asian organizations in Houston have collaborated with the Department of Health Disparities at the UT MD Anderson Cancer Center (UTMDACC) on a research project involving Asian American cancer health needs. The study findings were presented at the Asian American Health Summit 2019, and were published in February 2023 in Progress in Community Health Partnerships: Research, Education, and Action (John Hopkins University Press).

IACAN would like to thank all the study participants from the Indian American community. IACAN would also like to thank Dr.Jagan Sastry and IACAN's past Presidents Susarla, Arlene Mathew, and -Monalisa Chandra for their contributions as community advisors to the project.

https://lnkd.in/gVim_yC6

Recently, IACAN participated in a survey-based breast cancer study with Rice University students Shonik Ganjoo, Somani, and Shivani Kulkarni and researchers from UTMDACC. The study analyzed the contribution of demographic, psychosocial, and sociocultural factors to breast cancer screening in eligible Asian Indian women. The result of the study revealed low mammogram adherence in the population and a significant association with stigma and other sociocultural barriers. IACAN will use the findings of this study to develop culturally-adapted, evidence-based interventions that will address the disparities in breast cancer screening rates in our community. This initiative was mentioned in Rice at Large (Office of Public Affairs) at Rice University and presented by the students at the Center for Civic Leadership Showcase.
https://lnkd.in/gsFS8mtK

Every year, a cohort of 10 to 15 Rice undergraduates design and implement capstone projects in collaboration with a community partner to address a social issue of their choosing. Once complete, students earn the Certificate in Civic Leadership, an academic and experiential learning certificate, offe...

07/20/2023

Wednesday, July 19, 2023Glioblastoma Awareness Day Glioblastoma Awareness Day (GBM Day) occurs each year on the third Wednesday of July.Initially introduced to the Senate in 2018 by a bipartisan group of U.S. senators in response to the death of Senator John McCain, GBM Day is dedicated to increasin...

07/20/2023

Today is the fifth annual Glioblastoma Awareness Day-

Glioblastoma is the most common and deadliest type of brain cancer in adults. The average survival rate for patients with glioblastoma is just 15 months.
is observed each year on the third Wednesday of July. It was founded in 2018 by a bipartisan group of U.S. senators in response to the death of Senator John McCain.
Please visit the following websites for stats and facts on this type of cancer.

https://www.gbmresearch.org/glioblastoma-awareness-day
https://braintumor.org/events/glioblastoma-awareness-day/
https://braintumor.org/events/glioblastoma-awareness-day/raise-awareness/

Wednesday, July 19, 2023Glioblastoma Awareness Day Glioblastoma Awareness Day (GBM Day) occurs each year on the third Wednesday of July.Initially introduced to the Senate in 2018 by a bipartisan group of U.S. senators in response to the death of Senator John McCain, GBM Day is dedicated to increasin...

06/29/2023

Celebrating International Day of Yoga 2023, IACAN participated in IDY 2023 celebration hosted by Fort Bend County Commissioner Andy Meyers.
Thank you commissioner for inviting us.

06/13/2023

June is National Cancer Survivors Month, a time to celebrate the lives of cancer survivors and raise awareness of the challenges they face.
Cancer survivorship is a lifelong journey that begins at diagnosis. It includes the physical, emotional, and social challenges of cancer and its treatment.

Despite the challenges, cancer survivors can live long and fulfilling lives. There are many resources available to help cancer survivors cope with the challenges of survivorship, including support groups, counseling, and educational programs.

If someone you know has been diagnosed with cancer, there are many things you can do to support them.
• Be a listening ear. Let them know that you are there for them and that you care.
• Offer practical help. This could include things like cooking meals, running errands, or providing childcare.
• Encourage them to get involved in support groups or counseling.
• Celebrate their milestones. This could be anything from finishing treatment to reaching a cancer-free anniversary.

Don’t hesitate to lean on IACAN, that’s why we are here.

06/11/2023

IACAN- SVYASA celebrated National Cancer Survivor’s Day and International Yoga Day 2023 at the Sugar Land Memorial Park, through yoga, administered by Smitha Mallaiah (SVYASA). Thank you Commissioner Andy Meyers for joining us to celebrate the cancer survivors.


)India in USA (Consulate General of India, Houston)

06/04/2023

IACAN is celebrating International Day of Yoga and National Cancer Survivor day tomorrow. Join us tomorrow morning at Houston’s first IDY 2023 celebrations at the Sugarland Memorial park.
For more information check:

https://iacannetwork.org/

International Day of Yoga 2023
- List of events

05/24/2023

IACAN and SVYASA is celebrating national Cancer Survivors day and International Yoga Day 2023. Join us to relax and recharge through yoga (asana, pranayama, and meditation) in the serene Sugarland Memorial Park. The session will be conducted by Smitha Mallaiah (Program Director of SVYSA; Sr interventionist, Integrative medicine, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center).

05/21/2023

The Open Forum hosts (Subodh Bhuchar, Jagat Kamdar, Dinkar Chedha) and Smitha Malliahji

04/17/2023

April 2nd IACAN hosted the annual music luncheon for cancer survivorship and caregiving at The Club, Aliana. The afternoon was flooded with melodious Bollywood numbers -beautiful renditions by Mani Sastry amd Ravi Mukkamala and two youngsters Karthik and Sraavani. A private event where cancer survivors, caregivers joined together for few hours of pure musical entertainment

04/17/2023

April was a busy month for IACAN marrow donor program. We had multiple marrow registration drives at the University of Houston NASHA dance competition and Pura Nava festival at Pearland town center.
Along with the drive we also engaged with radio educational outreach with Indo-American News to raise awareness on bone marrow donation. The discussion was focused on the process of donation and transplant, safety, side effects and taboos. Dr. Monalisa Chandra, the past president of IACAN and Gaytri Kapoor Donor Recruitment coordinator, Be The Match and IACAN advisory Board member were the speakers and the session was hosted by Jawahar Malhotra and Sanchali Basu.

03/31/2023

Happy doctors day to the wonderful volunteer doctors of IACAN. You provide the much needed second opinion to cancer patients, bringing in more insight to their ongoing process of treatment/ diagnosis, reduce anxiety and bring calm to them and their family members. Thank you for your incredible service towards IACAN.

03/26/2023

March 25th, IACAN had the opportunity to partner with NMDP and organize a bone marrow drive in Cypress Texas as the community celebrated Ugadi the beginning of the new year. We are very grateful to the organizers for creating awareness in the community and encouraging them to join the registry and donate.

Text CURE to 61474 or visit my.bethematch.org/cure to order your , if you have not registered!
Gaytri Kapoor

02/21/2023

Another successful outreach event was held by the American Cancer Network and Be The Match teams at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti organized by the Shivaji Maharaj Antarrashtriya Parivaar and Gujarati Samaj of Houston (GSH) on February 19, 2023. We would like to thank our community for stopping by to talk to us! Special thanks to those who registered to become bone marrow donors!

Text CURE to 61474 or visit my.bethematch.org/cure to order your , if you have not registered!

Gaytri Kapoor Vibhuti Shah Ashma Khanani Moosa Jagan Sastry Monalisa Chandra Abraham Shilpa Ghurye

02/20/2023

We all care about the safety of our kids.

Vaccination protects our children from deadly diseases. Why kids need HPV vaccine?- because HPV vaccine can save our children from all HPV related cancers. Lets learn more from American Academy of Pediatrics

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=MIFT7YTxH9s&feature=youtu.be

Kids can get immunity against the human papillomavirus (HPV) and related cancers with the HPV vaccine. But how does the immune system know what to do? Watch ...

02/17/2023

Monalisa Chandra Abraham Ashma Khanani Moosa Gaytri Kapoor Jagan Sastry Vibhuti Shah Shilpa Ghurye

02/14/2023

The Indian American Cancer Network (IACAN) partnered with the Jain Society of Houston and Memorial Hermann Hospital Sugarland campus for a seminar on Colorectal Cancer prevention on February 11, 2023. Thanks to all the attendees and speakers at this event!

Monalisa Chandra Gaytri Kapoor Bhavaraju Jagan Sastry Ashma Khanani Moosa Vibhuti Shah Indira Bhavaraju Dipika Varia

02/05/2023

1 of 23 men and 1 of 25 women has the risk of developing colorectal cancer in their life time. This cancer can be prevented through regular screening. Unfortunately, CRC screening rate is very low in Texas (62%) which increases CRC risks for Texas residents (https://www.cancer.org/content/dam/cancer-org/research/cancer-facts-and-statistics/colorectal-cancer-facts-and-figures/colorectal-cancer-facts-and-figures-2020-2022.pdf).

Join and Jain Society of Houston to learn about colorectal cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment.
The event will also include lunch and dance presentation by the students of Jain Pathshala.
Let’s empower through education and help reduce cancer risks in our community.