A recent report identified alarming disparities in cancer rates in black and white South Carolinians. By helping to diagnose the scope of the problem,

the study eventually may lead to better cancer prevention.

Black South Carolinians get cancer more often than white South Carolinians, researchers at the University of South Carolina found. In addition, blacks who get cancer are more likely to die — even from cancers they get less often than whites. ...

Though the study has national ramifications, it's particularly important in identifying problems here in South Carolina.

The cancer disparities between blacks and whites is greater in the Southeast than the rest of the nation, and greater in South Carolina than the rest of the Southeast. ...

The study doesn't discuss reasons for the disparities, although researchers suggested that blacks may be getting inadequate preventive or follow-up care. Lack of insurance also may play a role.

Future research by the USC researchers will look at causes of disparities. Such research will build on the troubling but vital data gained by this most recent study.

The Greenville News