Mesothelioma

By focusing on preventive health, something lacking in general, especially among blacks, government programs such as Medicare and Medicaid and insurance companies can reduce costs.

"We know firsthand that a lack of (black) doctors contributes to the disparity," Dillings said.

Select Health asked Bell to get involved early in the process because the company was familiar with the doctor's work in promoting health care improvements in the black community.

"I got involved because they knew of my interest in this area," he said.

He expects the initiative to gather steam over the years.

To kick off the program, organizers are hosting a reception at 7 tonight at the Embassy Suites-Airport Convention Center in North Charleston.

U.S.

Rep.

Jim Clyburn will preside as honorary chairman.

...

Cancer Council of Victoria director Professor David Hill said yesterday it was unclear why an average 2-3 per cent difference between survival rates existed between metropolitan and rural Victorians.

Further research was needed to determine whether lack of diagnosis or inadequate rural cancer services were to blame, Prof Hill said.

Health Minister Bronwyn Pike said bans on smoking in all venues from July this year could save more lives.

Improved cancer services in Gippsland, Geelong, Ballarat and Bendigo had been funded since the data was collected, Ms Pike said.

Australian Medical Association Victoria president Mark Yates said many country people still had difficulty accessing cancer services.

"That differential is common across all disease groups.

The great fallacy is that country living is healthy," Mr Yates said.

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