Sigmas remove stigma: Sentara, Black fraternity raise colorectal cancer awareness

Year after year people hear the phrase, "Black people are disproportionately affected by colon cancer," usually said by health officials or non-profit organizations raising awareness. 

But this time? It’s a Black fraternity in Suffolk, Va. who shares the message to embolden others to come forth, get screened, and share their stories. 

“We are pulling back the veil to say we get tested regularly, we see our doctors, and you can do the same,” said Barry Lee Doughty Jr., president of Suffolk Sigmas, a chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. 

“This is a real-life preventable disease. If you are tested early, you can get the problem fixed early.”

Unfortunately, a lack of awareness around screenings and access has led to Black individuals being 20% more likely to get colorectal cancer and about 40% more likely to die from it compared to other groups.

To address this disparity, the Suffolk Sigmas partnered with Sentara Health to host an inaugural colon cancer survivor walk in Suffolk’s Downtown Festival Park. 

“We want folks to be able to have access to the education and the resources they need to make informed decisions about their health,” said Ursala Bowe, community health educator at Sentara.

“Partnering with organizations like the Suffolk Sigmas allows us to do that in a really effective way.” 

‘Mom, you’ve got a voice too’ 

Despite being 90% preventable, colorectal cancer is the second most common cause of cancer-related deaths for men and women. It’s expected to cause about 52,900 deaths in 2025.

Many reasons contribute to the mortality rate; lack of awareness and access to screenings, lack of symptoms until late stage, and stigmas which prevent honest conversations. 

“I thank the Sigmas for what they're doing because they're allowing people to come forward and speak so that they can get help, so they can get support,” said Trent Mitchell, Suffolk resident. 

Mitchell’s mother, Jacqueline Clemons, passed away last year from stage 4 colon cancer. He spoke about her at the event. 

“When her illness came, she didn’t really want anybody to know. I said, 'Mom, you’ve got a voice too, you don’t have to deal with this alone.’”  

Trent Mitchell delivered a powerful speech about his mother Jacqueline “Jackie” Clemons, who passed away from stage 4 colon cancer in July 2024.

Mitchell used to be quiet, fearful, and insecure but said watching his mom go through her journey made him realize what’s important in life, that everyone has a voice, and it’s ok to express what you feel. 

“You can’t be fearful of sharing with somebody what’s going on. No matter what your mind say, what you might feel in the community, do what's best for you, to increase you. Without health, you have nothing,” said Mitchell, who looks forward to getting his colonoscopy screening in August. 

Stage 3 colon cancer survivor, Kristie Fields, also spoke at the event and shared that in 2019, at age 42, she asked for a colonoscopy despite not meeting the age requirement, which at the time was 50. The colonoscopy age requirement was changed to 45 in 2021.

“I didn’t have any symptoms, but my mom had just passed away and we had talked about getting colonoscopies,” said Fields who also survived breast cancer in 2014. “The doctor said, ‘ok we’ll do it to ease your mind,’ but then the results showed I had a large tumor on my colon. It shocked everyone.” 

Fields started a nonprofit in 2016 called PinkSlayer Community Outreach and she partners with Sentara Obici Hospital to attend cancer awareness events in the community. 

‘They’ve given us step 1’

In addition to survivors and family members, trusted voices in the community were also present at the event. 

“Colon cancer is one of those things, if you don't make time for it, it'll force you to make time for it,” said Sheriff David Miles, who in July 2024, became the first Black Sheriff in the city of Suffolk.

Sheriff Miles shared that his grandfather passed away from colorectal cancer which made him understand the importance of preventative care. 

“I know as a man, and especially in our culture, we don’t always jump to the front for screenings, so I applaud the fraternity for creating the opportunity to have this dialogue,” said Miles. “Taking ownership of it and talking about it is step 1. They've given us step 1 so we just need to continue.”  

President of Suffolk Sigmas, Barry Lee Doughty Jr., and Suffolk Sheriff David Miles.

Luke Cleckley, Virginia account director with Pfizer Oncology pharmaceuticals, spoke with attendees to share Pfizer isn’t just a maker of drugs, they are partners in the community.

“Yes, we’re Pfizer employees but we also live in this community. We're afflicted and our families are afflicted with cancer too,” said Cleckley. “Regardless of what zip code you come from, you have an opportunity to get access to screenings and innovative medicines.”

Cleckley shared that whether it's a colonoscopy or a diagnostic test like Cologuard, there are several ways to get screened and getting diagnosed early means getting treated early.

The American Cancer Society was also at the event distributing information and answering the communities' questions. 

After listening to the speakers, participants walked around Suffolk’s Downtown Festival Park four times to represent each stage of colon cancer. 

The ceremony closed out with music, dancing, and celebrating the lives of survivors and loved ones who succumbed. 

All proceeds from the event went to Nobody Fights Alone, an auxiliary fund through Sentara Obici Hospital, which supports cancer patients in Western Tidewater with meals, financial assistance, and transportation to and from medical appointments. 

Click here for more information about colorectal cancer and available screenings.