First-Ever Meeting On The Science Of Cancer Health Disparities To Be Hosted By AACR

Main Category: Cancer / Oncology
Also Included In: Conferences;  Obesity / Weight Loss / Fitness;  Genetics
Article Date: 26 Oct 2007 - 2:00 PDT

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What: Racial and ethnic disparities in cancer incidence and mortality are well documented. While data suggest that access to quality care is a factor in cancer disparities, other factors also play a major role, including tumor biology, genetics, hormonal status, lifestyle and behavior, screening policies, comorbidities, environmental exposure and risk, quality of and response to therapy, and post-therapeutic surveillance.

This conference is the first of its kind to stimulate the development of new research in cancer health disparities by addressing various topics in basic science, clinical research, population science, behavioral research, and cancer survivorship. It will provide a powerful forum to identify risk factors and barriers to the reduction and elimination of cancer health disparities.

Highlights include:

* Aggressive breast cancer among African-American women
--Genetic differences and lack of access to healthcare results in profound consequences among African-American breast cancer patients

* Cultural beliefs in cancer outcomes
--Investigating the role of cultural beliefs among men of West African ancestry in relation to prostate cancer knowledge

* Obesity, Diabetes and Cancer
--The roles of diet, genes and behavior in examining the differences between African-American and Caucasian men

* Community-based Research
--Colorectal cancer screening knowledge and awareness on the Navajo Reservation
--Recruiting and training community volunteers as agents of change to reach African-American women in Alabama
--A 20 year-long study of racial and ethnic differences in the incidence of lung cancer in Florida

When:
November 27-30, 2007

Where:
Atlanta Marriott Marquis
Atlanta, Ga.

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Article adapted by Medical News Today from original press release.
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Source: Yarissa O. Reyes
American Association for Cancer Research