Health Feature Articles
Reducing Cancer Risks Among Black Americans
Heartland Cancer Information Service, National Cancer Institute
Although black Americans had less cancer and fewer
cancer deaths between 1992-1999, they still had the
highest overall cancer rates of any group in this
country according to the National Cancer Institute
(NCI).
The good news is that black Americans can lower their
cancer risk by making a few changes in diet and health
habits. They also can help others by getting involved in
efforts to raise cancer awareness in their communities.
The NCI offers these tips for black Americans concerned
about cancer:
Eat a healthy diet. Eat lots of fruits and
vegetables, whole grains, and beans. Limit fats. Choose
lean meats and low-fat dairy products. Maintain a
healthy weight.
Don't Smoke. Smoking is directly linked to
cancer. Also avoid breathing secondhand smoke and
protect your children from it, when possible.
Find cancer early. Research shows that Pap
tests, mammograms, and colon cancer tests can save
lives. Ask your doctor about these cancer screening
tests.
Get involved. Join a local chapter of the
NCI's National Black Leadership Initiative on Cancer (NBLIC)
II. This network helps raise cancer awareness among
black Americans through community activities with
churches, service organizations, and other groups.
For information on the NBLIC chapter in your area,
call 1-800-724-1185 toll-free. For more information and
free publications on preventing cancer, call 1-800
4-CANCER or visit the NCI Web site at
www.cancer.gov. Ask
about "Spread the Word about Cancer: A Guide for Black
Americans."
For one-on-one assistance with quitting smoking, call the NCI's Smoking Quitline at
1-877-44U-QUIT from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday
through Friday. The Cancer Information Service (CIS) is
a program of the National Cancer Institute.
"Ask the CIS" is distributed by the Cancer Information Service (CIS) of the Heartland, which serves Kansas, Nebraska, Missouri & Illinois. The CIS is a program of the National Cancer Institute. Call the CIS toll-free at 1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237) between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. local time.
 |
Site Administrator: |
|
|
|
Last Updated 04/25/2008
