Study
Probes Cancer in Minorities
The
American Cancer Society reported that African-Americans are more
likely to develop cancer than all other racial and ethnic groups.
According to a report from the National Research Council’s Institute
of Medicine, “…It is critical that we learn why some ethnic minorities
and the medically underserved are more prone to cancer and less
likely to survive it.”
In response to the study, Mount Sinai School of Medicine and North
General Hospital have teamed up to recruit volunteers for the
New York Cancer Project, one of the largest medical studies ever
conducted in the US.
Part of the study will follow 300,000 New Yorkers of African-American
and Latino descent, aged 30 to 69 to examine the interplay of
genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors in the incidence
of cancer. Since mortality rates for these groups from breast,
colon, prostate, and lung cancer are much higher than in the general
population, diverse ethnic representation in research is critical
to helping scientists understand the causes of cancer and develop
appropriate treatments.
Each volunteer will be interviewed privately about his or her
personal health history, diet, physical activity, and family medical
history, then give a blood sample and have their height, weight
and blood pressure recorded. Every two years thereafter, volunteers
will complete a questionnaire.
To
participate in the Mount Sinai study, call 212-241-8902. To participate
at North General, call 212-423-1441. For more information, call
877-NYCPROJ.
Education Update, Inc., P.O. Box 20005, New York, NY 10001. Tel:
(212) 481-5519. Fax: (212) 481-3919. Email: ednews1@aol.com.
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the publisher. © 2001.
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