PREVENTION / AGENDA

Prevention in America

BY LOVELL A. JONES, PhD

Enhancing cancer prevention efforts in minority communities

One of the findings of a recent study says that “many Americans, particularly minorities, have no continuity in their healthcare, no relationship with a doctor or other medical professional who can ensure that they are getting all the preventive care they need.”

The study also stated that if we were to increase use of just five preventive services to 90 percent, we would save approximately 127,000 lives annually. But, if minority and other underserved populations do not use preventive opportunities, what will happen to the healthcare system when they begin to suffer more and more from chronic disease?

As the burden increases on a sick healthcare system, the impact will affect the health of all Americans. ...

[THIS STORY APPEARS IN FULL IN THE SPRING 2008 ISSUE OF HEAL]