REDUCING CHRONIC DISEASES AMONG MINORITY POPULATIONS

In recognition of the 17th annual National Minority Cancer Awareness Week, April 20-26, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Tommy G. Thompson recently announced several new efforts aimed at preventing cancer and reducing health disparities among minority populations. The initiatives focus on nutrition; colorectal cancer; preventive health care; and comprehensive cancer control programs.

“Cancer devastates millions of Americans each year, especially racial and ethnic minorities,” Secretary Thompson said. “Often, this major cause of death can be prevented through changes in our daily routines and by getting regular health care check-ups and screenings. We must close the gap in health care disparities in minority communities and reduce the incidence of cancer nationwide.”

Historically, racial and ethnic minorities have experienced a disproportionate burden of death and disease from chronic illnesses, particularly cancer. The public awareness efforts announced include the “African American 9 A Day” campaign; new “Screen for Life” public service announcements (PSAs); this year’s “Take a Loved One to the Doctor Day,” and the Cancer Control PLANET Web portal.

African American 9 A Day campaign
Joined by National Cancer Institute (NCI) Director Dr. Andrew von Eschenbach, Secretary Thompson announced African American 9 A Day, a national campaign to encourage African American men to eat 9 servings of fruits and vegetables a day. African American men are among the most seriously affected by diet-related chronic diseases, and have the lowest overall consumption of fruits and vegetables.

The NCI will collaborate with African American health, faith-based, civic, and fraternal organizations to get the 9 A Day message out to African American men. The campaign also includes national radio spots, a new Web page for African American men (www.9aday.cancer.gov) and “Men: Eat 9 A Day,” a brochure specifically for African American men available through NCI’s Cancer Information Service, 1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237).

Screen for Life public service announcements (PSAs)
Joined by Dr. Nancy C. Lee, director of cancer prevention and control at HHS’ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Secretary Thompson also introduced new television PSAs and other educational materials designed to inform Americans, particularly African Americans, Hispanics, and people with Medicare coverage, about the benefits of colorectal cancer screening for all adults aged 50 or over. The PSAs are one component of Screen for Life, a National Colorectal Cancer Action Campaign.

Source: HHS Press Release; April 24, 2003.

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