Minority Cancer Awareness Week advocates for prevention in high risk communities
C ANCER is a disease that affects people of all ages, genders, and ethnic and racial backgrounds. In the United States, it is estimated that nearly ½ of all men and 1/3 rd of all women will battle cancer at some point in their lives. Minorities and economically disadvantaged people are more likely to develop and die from cancer. Each year, during the third week of April, National Minority Cancer Awareness Week is held to promote improved awareness about the prevention and treatment of cancer in minority communities. During the Awareness Week, doctors, researchers, and social workers make an extra effort to give minority communities information about the importance of cancer screenings and maintaining healthy lifestyles. On April 8, 1987, legislation establishing the awareness week was signed into law when the U.S. House of Representatives Joint Resolution 119 was passed. Often times, minorities might not go to see a doctor until they are extremely sick. This res