For Immediate Release
April 15, 2010
Contact Information
Patricia Berlin
On behalf of American Cancer Society
212-336-9745
pberlin@footstepsgroup.com
MEDIA ADVISORY
(BPRW) American Cancer Society Observes National Minority Cancer Awareness Week April 18-24, 2010
Chief Medical Officer Dr. Otis Brawley, Available For Interviews
- As we observe National Minority Cancer Awareness Week (NMCAW), we want to draw attention to the progress being made in minority communities, and emphasize the need for continued efforts in eliminating cancer disparities that still exist.
- The Society’s latest Colorectal Cancer Facts & Figures reported a steady decline in colon cancer incidence and death rates in most racial/ethnic groups.
- Yet, cancer continues to take a higher toll on minority communities.
- African Americans have the highest death rate of any racial and ethnic group in the U.S. for most cancers.
- There are barriers in access to quality health care, causing later diagnosis and lower chances of survival.
- Causes of disparities are complex and likely reflect social and economic societal gaps, not just biologic differences.
- While it is discouraging that these differences still exist, we must address them in order to save lives and reduce suffering from cancer among African Americans.
- The American Cancer Society has awarded more than $88 million since 2000 for more than 100 studies that focus on reducing cancer health related disparities. These studies range across the cancer continuum, from prevention and early detection to end of life. The studies focus on a variety of populations where there is evidence of cancer health disparities, including African Americans, Hispanics, Asian Americans, and Native Americans.
Phone: (212)-336-9745
Email: pberlin@footstepsgroup.com
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