NPF's Black/African American Initiative 

The National Pancreas Foundation has created a holistic disease education and awareness campaign with a focus on pancreatic cancer and pancreatitis in the Black/African American community. To produce this educational program, 

Many studies suggest that environmental and socioeconomic factors have contributed to the increased risk of pancreas disease among African Americans. Risk factors include genetics, cigarette smoking, Type 2 diabetes, and obesity. NPF’s Black/African American Initiative will address these issues with the hope of decreasing the incidence of pancreas disease in the Black/African American community.

This interactive guide can be downloaded and printed, listen to the audio version and watch videos to help you manage your pancreatic condition.

What does the B/AAI program cover?

• Pancreas Disease and Black/African American People
• Acute and Chronic Pancreatitis
• Pancreatic Cancer
• Living with Pancreas Disease
• Signs and Symptoms
• Treatment Options
• Lifestyle Changes

Goals/Objectives

EDUCATE the African American community (youth & adults) on preventive measures for pancreatic cancer and pancreatitis.

EMPOWER individuals to become more engaged and become active partners in their healthcare to prevent pancreas disease.

ENCOURAGE individuals to adjust to new behaviors and maintain lifestyle behaviors to reduce their risk factors for pancreatic cancer and pancreatitis.

ADVANCE is a collaborative approach between credible partnering organizations to reach a broader audience and to gain the trust of African Americans.

INCREASE awareness about clinical trials and encourage individuals to participate to diversify and represent the African American community.

DESIGN engaging and interactive tools that are culturally relevant and resonate with the African American community.

APPLY health literacy principles and illustrations in the educational resources to help individuals understand the importance of preventive measures for pancreas disease.

The overall goal of NPF’s Black/African American Initiative is to create a multi-media educational campaign focused on raising awareness and action around pancreas disease in African Americans. Individual objectives of this initiative are to:

As the initial tool for our Black/African American Initiative, NPF has created an interactive guide: “A Black/African American’s Guide to Pancreas Disease”. The goal of the narrated guide is to help individuals learn about the pancreas, understand the signs and symptoms of pancreas disease, risk factors, how to live with pancreas disease, and what they can control in their daily lives to reduce their risk of pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer. The guide also includes videos and handouts to help readers to be their advocates.