Published on May 29, 2019
The Prevent Cancer Foundation® is saddened to learn of the death of our friend and Medical Advisory Board member, Dr. LaSalle Leffall Jr. Dr. Leffall was a distinguished surgeon, oncologist and educator who served as Howard University’s chairman of the Department of Surgery for 25 years. In addition to serving as chairman, Dr. Leffall was an award-winning professor and alumnus of Howard University.
As the first African American national president of the American Cancer Society, Dr. Leffall spearheaded a program focusing on reducing cancer disparities for African Americans and other minority populations. Among other leadership roles and achievements, Dr. Leffall was also the first African American president of the American College of Surgeons.
Dr. Leffall served as a member of the Prevent Cancer Foundation’s Medical Advisory Board for many years, providing guidance and advice to the Foundation alongside several other leaders in cancer prevention and early detection.
“Dr. Leffall was an incomparable force in the field of cancer prevention and early detection. His dedication to improving cancer prevention and care for minorities made a huge impact in getting us closer to the continuing goal to make cancer care equal for all,” said Carolyn Aldigé, Founder and CEO of the Prevent Cancer Foundation®. “The Foundation is deeply grateful to Dr. Leffall for his service to the Foundation and his lifetime of work to save lives.”
