 esearch has shown that African Americans experience higher overall cancer incidence and mortality
rates and lower overall cancer survival rates than all other major ethnic populations (i.e., Asian-Pacific,
Hispanic, Native American, and White) in the United States (1). However, while cancer remains a
significant problem, especially among African Americans, recent statistics suggest that incidence and
mortality rates have decreased and survival rates have increased for some cancers (2).
 Cancer education is partly responsible for the increase in survival rates for many cancers (3). Printed
cancer education materials make up a significant component of cancer education
(4). Studies have shown
that printed cancer education materials can positively affect the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of
individuals and can therefore increase the likelihood for individuals to adopt
cancer prevention practices (5).
The ability of printed cancer education materials to affect positive practice by individuals is related
to literacy level (knowledge) (6) and cultural values and belief systems (attitudes and practices) (7) of individuals
being served. At the minimum level, for printed cancer education materials to be effective, they must be
accessible to the intended population in terms of readability and cultural sensitivity.
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The need to link reading level to information in printed cancer education materials is especially
relevant to African Americans. Historical and research evidence suggests that African Americans
continue to place a high value on literacy and learning. Literacy has been associated with uplifting the
African-American community; this uplifting is grounded in understanding the traditions and beliefs of
literacy and education as communal knowledge, which breeds group strength (8). However, the range of
social and economic problems in African-American communities creates larger gaps in literacy
competence and accounts for lower literacy levels in these communities (9). As a result, it is difficult to
reach many African Americans with printed cancer education materials.
The Cancer Prevention Materials for African Americans project was developed in an effort to address
these issues.
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