On February 3, 2017, the Minnesota Psychological Association and the Metropolitan State University Psychology Department hosted a First Friday Forum titled: “Health Disparities: The Psychological Impact of Breast and Prostate Cancer on African-American Families.”  The presentation was led by Willie Garrett, M.S., LP, Ed.D.  Dr. Garrett is a licensed psychologist with over 35 years of experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and elderly clients both in urban and rural settings.  He is actively involved in MPA, and was the 2016 award recipient for Outstanding Career Achievement in Black Psychology (currently the John M. Taborn Award for Outstanding Contributions as a Mental Health Provider of African Descent).

Dr. Garrett’s presentation was very informative and eye-opening.  He provided various statistics related to breast and prostate cancer, and discussed emotional, psychological, and financial implications African-American families face as a result of this “invisible epidemic” (Garrett, 2017).  There was one statistic that stood out the most.  According to the American Cancer Society, trends in cancer death rates between 1975-2014 show that African-American women have higher death rates than White women.  What made this statistic so powerful was that African-American women actually have lower cancer incidence rates than White women.  

So why are more African-American women dying from this disease?  While this may not come as a surprise to some clinicians, it is essential that this is communicated to the impacted populations.  In order for clinicians to do this effectively, Dr. Garrett emphasized the importance of using culturally competent strategies in helping families deal with the psychological impact of this deadly disease.  He talked about how within cultural differences, there are gender differences which need to be taken into consideration when working with clients.  For example, he mentioned that African-American women are the faith base of the African-American community, and that some clients may just choose to pray and have faith in God rather than seek treatment.  In these cases, psychotherapy should include encouragement to seek support within the client’s faith or spiritual community.  Dr. Garrett also mentioned that African-American men who are diagnosed with prostate cancer often experience shame and fear, particularly regarding sexual performance.  Because they have a difficult time being open with their partners, they may use anger or criticism to keep their partners away.  Couples therapy focusing on communication and problem-solving could be useful in these situations.

Following Dr. Garrett’s presentation, the MPA Diversity Committee hosted a reception honoring Frank B. Wilderson, Jr., Ph.D., LP, with the John M. Taborn Award for Outstanding Contributions as a Mental Health Provider of African Descent.

Mariya D. Mirzoyan, M.A., is a doctoral student in counseling psychology at St. Mary’s University of Minnesota.  She identifies as a student of color and is actively involved in the MPA Diversity Committee, as well as the Student of Color Consultation Group at St. Mary’s University.  Her interests include working with marginalized communities, immigrant and refugee populations, Veterans, and victims of torture.

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