Oral
cancer, like many diseases, continues to take a disproportionate
toll on minorities. African American males suffer the highest incidence
of any group in the U.S. mainland. Puerto Rican males residing in
Puerto Rico also have a high incidence of the disease. Failure to
diagnose oral cancers in their earliest stages is probably the greatest
factor contributing to poor treatment outcome. The New York University
center, headed by Dr. Ralph Katz, works to determine why minorities
do not get oral cancer exams that might pick up the earliest signs
of the disease. Specifically, they look at differences in willingness
to participate in cancer screening exams among African Americans,
Puerto Ricans residing in Puerto Rico, Puerto Ricans residing in
the U.S. mainland, and whites. The researchers also look for ways
to alter behavior to reduce risk factors such as tobacco and alcohol
use.
Collaborating
with the New York University center are Boston University, Howard
University, the Johns Hopkins University, the University of Pittsburgh,
Tuskegee University, the University of Alabama, the University of
Puerto Rico, the Puerto Rico Health Department, and Memorial Sloan
Kettering Cancer Center.
