Common is the latest celebrity to team up with Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C).
The Grammy Award-winning artist, actor and activist and is also an ambassador for the organization. With support from Bristol Myers Squibb, the new PSA aims to heighten awareness for lung cancer research and clinical trials.
According to SU2C, lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among men and women in the United States and represents nearly 25% of all cancer deaths.
Common’s partnership with SU2C stems from a deeply personal experience.
“In 2014 my father died after his battle with cancer,” said Common. “He was truly someone who inspired me and made me want to be better. I believe that we can do better for ourselves – especially as Black men when it comes to health. I’m honored to support Stand Up To Cancer’s campaign to bring awareness to lung cancer research.”
The PSA is supported by a $5 million grant from the Bristol Myers Squibb, which has provided funding for crucial SU2C research initiatives since 2014. Both organizations are committed to promoting and improving health equity in medically underserved communities.
“More than 235,000 new cases of lung cancer will be diagnosed this year in the United States and research shows there are stark disparities in lung cancer diagnoses among diverse and rural communities,” said Sung Poblete Ph.D., RN, CEO of Stand Up To Cancer.
Over 25,000 Black men and women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with lung cancer each year. Black men are about 15% more likely to develop lung cancer than white men.
“Our mission at Bristol Myers Squibb is to transform lives through science, but that also means ensuring that all people affected by cancer can equally benefit from the latest science and treatments,” said Wendy Short Bartie, senior vice president, US Oncology, Bristol Myers Squibb. “By bringing visibility to lung cancer inequities and encouraging diversity in clinical trials, this PSA will take an important step toward eliminating the dangerous disparities that exist for many underserved lung cancer patients. That’s why it was a clear fit for us to continue our longtime support of Stand Up To Cancer by aligning on this effort.”
