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Cancer & Black History

Dr. Otis W. Brawley is an African American physician and cancer researcher who has made significant contributions to the field of oncology. Born on October 5, 1959, in Atlanta, Georgia, Dr. Brawley grew up witnessing the devastating impact of cancer on his community, which fueled his passion for finding solutions to this disease.




After completing his undergraduate studies at the University of Chicago, Dr. Brawley earned his medical degree from the University of Chicago's Pritzker School of Medicine. He then went on to complete his residency in internal medicine at Case Western Reserve University and a fellowship in medical oncology at the National Cancer Institute.


Throughout his career, Dr. Brawley has held various prestigious positions in the field of cancer research and advocacy. From 2007 to 2018, he served as the Chief Medical and Scientific Officer of the American Cancer Society (ACS), where he played a crucial role in shaping the organization's cancer prevention and control initiatives. During his tenure, he focused on addressing disparities in cancer outcomes among different racial and socioeconomic groups.


Dr. Brawley has been a vocal advocate for cancer prevention and early detection. He has emphasized the importance of lifestyle modifications, such as maintaining a healthy diet, engaging in regular physical activity, and avoiding tobacco use, in reducing the risk of developing cancer. Additionally, he has highlighted the significance of regular cancer screenings, such as mammograms and colonoscopies, in detecting cancer at its earliest stages when treatment is most effective.


One of Dr. Brawley's notable contributions to cancer research is his work on prostate cancer. He has been involved in studying the racial disparities in prostate cancer incidence and mortality rates, aiming to improve outcomes for African American men who are disproportionately affected by this disease. His research has shed light on the complex factors contributing to these disparities, including socioeconomic factors, access to healthcare, and genetic variations.


Dr. Brawley's advocacy extends beyond his research and medical practice. He has been a prominent voice in raising awareness about the importance of health equity and the need to address systemic barriers that contribute to disparities in cancer outcomes. Through his public speaking engagements, media appearances, and writings, he has worked tirelessly to educate the public and policymakers about the urgent need for equitable access to cancer prevention, treatment, and supportive care services.


In recognition of his contributions, Dr. Brawley has received numerous awards and honors, including the American Cancer Society's Medal of Honor, the Society of Surgical Oncology's James Ewing Layman's Award, and the American Society of Clinical Oncology's Humanitarian Award.


Dr. Otis W. Brawley's dedication to cancer research, advocacy, and addressing health disparities has made a significant impact on the field of oncology. His work serves as an inspiration to future generations of researchers and healthcare professionals, reminding us of the importance of fighting against cancer and striving for health equity for all.

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