health disparities

What is National Minority Cancer Awareness Month and Who Is Most Affected?

April is National Minority Cancer Awareness Month, and no better time to discuss how cancer disproportionately affects minorities. There are differences in the number of new cancer cases and cancer outcomes. Disparities more often negatively affect racial and ethnic minorities, poor, adolescent, and young adult populations.

Cancer Health Disparities Definitions and Examples

Cancer health disparities are adverse differences between certain population groups in cancer measures, such as: incidence (new cases), prevalence (all existing cases), morbidity (cancer-related health complications), mortality (deaths), survivorship and quality of life after cancer treatment, burden of cancer or related health conditions, screening rates, and stage at diagnosis.

A Bit About the Coalition

Cape Atlantic Coalition for Health is a regional chronic disease prevention coalition funded by the New Jersey Department of Health, Office of Cancer Control and Prevention. Our purpose is to reduce the state's cancer burden and improve health outcomes for people with, or at risk for, cancer and other chronic diseases in Atlantic and Cape may counties. For more information on comprehensive cancer control, visit www.njcancer.gov. Shore Medical Center is the lead agency for Atlantic and Cape May counties. The CACH is working on a variety of projects to improve our community's health. You can help by becoming involved by being a member or volunteer. Anyone interested should call 609-653-3923.