Despite significant advancements in the detection and treatment of cancer in recent decades, cancer is still the second-leading cause of death in the U.S.

Differences in health status across racial and ethnic groups in the United States have been described for a wide array of diseases, conditions, and outcomes (NCHS, 2000). Despite overall improvements in life expectancy in the past century, African Americans still experience a lower average life expectancy at birth and higher average age-adjusted all-cause death rates than whites.

Racial and ethnic minority groups (REMGs) will make up the majority of the population in the near future. This is problematic because present inequities render REMGs disproportionately vulnerable and sick.