Meet Dr. Henry Henderson | Cancer Biologist & Co-founder of “Black in Cancer”

What’s a quote that fuels your passion?         

Dr. Henderson, your Humble Takeover is your story. Tell the family where you started and how you got to where you are today.

From an early age, I’ve always been interested in science. I started off wanting to be a wildlife biologist. My mother was sure to foster my curiosity, so my room was covered with bug filled aquariums , posters of the solar system, and even a microscope. The way things worked intrigued me. I used to carry around a giant animal encyclopedia(not a lie), everywhere! It had about 200 or so animal facts and I knew all of them. My mom picked up on it and I was in science camps every summer. I credit a lot of my success to her. I am a cancer biologist now. In all, science is the same. It’s all learning and retaining and I apply these methods to studying acquired drug resistance in lung cancer patients.

Which chapter in your story inspired your current venture?

Prostate cancer is a big issue in my family. I have also lost family members to pancreatic and lung cancer. I take my job seriously because it’s rather personal. Additionally, cancer education in the African-American community is needed. My inspiration comes from being a source of information in my community and working to end a disease that takes too many of our loved ones.  

What keeps you Humble through your success and failure in Life? 

All of this can be taken away from me. I pride myself on integrity and humility, especially as a scientist. I’ve been given a chance to make a difference not only in my community but in the entire world. I don’t take this for granted.

What advice would you offer our family who is writing their own story? 

 Don’t be afraid to ask for help. I struggled with this. I learned to set my pride aside and reach out to like-minded people. With a team, anything is possible.

Do you have any upcoming events or projects you would like to share? 

I am the co-founder of “Black in Cancer”. Our mission is to strengthen networks and highlight Black Excellence in cancer research and medicine. Additionally, we focus on mentoring and cancer education. We will launch The Cancer Awareness Project( C.A.P.) later this year with the aim of increasing the understanding of everything that is cancer in the Black community. We will host virtual sessions with experts in the field answering questions, debunking myths and providing resources.

We’d love to hear more stories, please suggest 5 other persons writing their own story and Conquering the World. 

Torique Smith( @toriquej) - Owner, Lifters Only Club

Tunde Smith (@ilovetunde) - Owner, Oranges Global

Dr. Antonio Jackson (@vetology18) - Owner, Jackson’s Veterinary Services 

 Contact Info:

• Website: www.blackincancer.com
• Email: dr.hjhenderson@gmail.com
• Instagram: @henstegram 
• Facebook: Henry J. Henderson III
• Other Social Platforms: 
• Twitter- @DrHJHenderson