It takes a community to address cancer disparities among underserved minority p...( ATLANTA Cancer affects whole commun...),Health

ATLANTA Cancer affects whole communities of people with similar genetic heritage and cultural behaviors, yet medical researchers often have trouble uncovering data on minority populations and promoting changes that could improve health. That is why many researchers have begun to collaborate directly with community groups. Such associations can improve the quality of data collection; provide needed insight into social factors involving help; and lead to sustained health improvements among disadvantaged populations.

Today in Atlanta, researchers report the results of successful initiatives begun in Nashville and among the Navajo Nation at the American Association for Cancer Research conference on The Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved, being held November 27-30. Their community research projects are helping African-Americans to stop smoking, Hispanic immigrants to meet their basic cancer care needs and members of the Navajo Nation to educate a dramatically underserved population about colorectal cancer.

Hispanic Health in Nashville 2007: Cancer Needs Assessment, Abstract no. B-43:

Like many communities in the United States, Nashville, Tennessee, has over the past two decades experienced an unprecedented influx of immigrant Hispanics a population whose healthcare needs are understudied and not well documented in the academic literature. In response, a coalition of Nashville-area researchers have teamed with community groups to survey the cancer care and prevention needs of Hispanic immigrants. Their findings will help shape future community programs and potentially reduce the burden of cancer among local Hispanics.

Our local Hispanic community has grown nearly seven-fold over the last decade, yet we do not know much, if anything, about their cancer-related needs, said lead investigator Pamela Hull, Ph.D., associate director of the Center for Hea
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