Cancer Health Disparities (imported)

Despite improvements in strategies for early detection and cancer treatment, racial and ethnic groups and individuals from other medically underserved populations continue to experience disparities in cancer morbidity and mortality. Research in cancer health disparities has evolved from first generation studies that described racial differences in morbidity and mortality to research that examines the efforts of interventions that focus on increasing access to early detection and treatment. As a result of these efforts, racial background, socioeconomic characteristics, access to high quality cancer care, and psychological and social factors have been documented as important determinants of cancer health disparities; these factors provide the context within which cancer is detected, treated, and prevented.