Approaches for reducing cancer mortality in minorities

There is an urgent need to reduce cancer mortality among black Americans and other minorities. Although much progress has been made, cancer statistics are not as positive for these groups and the medically-underserved populations. Getting Americans to change their behavior patterns--particularly with regard to cigarette smoking--is vitally important. In this regard, physicians and other health care professionals, as well as public and government officials, must speak out. Early detection of risk factors is also critical. Government has an obligation to make Americans aware of how to reduce adverse health indicators and of making individuals responsible for their own life as well as for the lives of their family members.