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Control and Prevention Division of Cancer Prevention and Control 4770 Buford Hwy, NE MS K-64 Atlanta, GA 30341-3717 Call: 1 (800) CDC-INFO TTY: 1 (888) 232-6348 FAX: (770) 488-4760 E-mail: cdcinfo@cdc.gov Submit a Question Online |
Basic InformationDisparities—or inequalities—occur when members of certain population groups do not enjoy the same health status as other groups. Disparities are most often identified along racial and ethnic lines—showing that African Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans, Asian Americans, Alaska Natives and whites have different disease rates and survival rates. But disparities also extend beyond race and ethnicity. For example, cancer health disparities can involve biological, environmental, and behavioral factors, as well as differences noted on the basis of income and education. Disparities are determined and measured by three health statistics—incidence (the number of new cancers), mortality (the number of cancer deaths), and survival rates (the length of survival following diagnosis of cancer). Health disparities occur when one group of people has a higher incidence or mortality rate than another, or when survival rates are less for one group than another. Source: National Cancer Institute.
Page last reviewed: July 11, 2006
Page last updated: July 11, 2006 Content source: Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion |
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