Ebenezer Family Worship Center COGIC will host "Cancer-Free Zone" Cancer education programs on Saturdays, September 23 to November 18, from noon until 2 p.m.

Ebenezer’s parish nurse and Marquette nursing students will be on hand at each session to do various health screenings.

Community experts will be utilized to give input at various sessions. There will also be healthy cooking demonstrations and the formation of a walking club at the second session.

Books for the course will be given to participants who register by the September 17 deadline.

Special incentives will be given to those who participate in specific appropriate cancer screenings with their health care providers. A gift certificate to Outpost Foods valued at $50 will be given to each person who completes the program.

A light snack will be available at each session.

The series will discuss a number of issues related to cancer, such as the immune system, cancer fighting vegetables and fruits, the whole grain difference, creating a healing environment and program participation recognition.

A panel discussion on cancer and the African American community will be held September 23. The panel will include Dr. Rene Settle-Robinson, president of the Cream City Medical Association; Dr. Pat McManus, executive director of the Black Health Coalition of Wisconsin; Oza Holmes, Breast Cancer coordinator for Aurora Breast Cancer Center and Dr. Tito Izard, chief medical officer for the Martin Luther King Health Center.

Individuals are encouraged to attend the panel discussion even if you do not register for the series.

According to a recent newspaper article, more Milwaukee central city residents die prematurely from cancer than elsewhere in Wisconsin.

In the U.S., the African American population bears a disproportionate burden of cancer, with the highest death rate of any racial and ethnic group for all cancers combined and for most major cancers.

For more information about the program, contact Linda Austin at 264-3132.