1. 2006 API Health Policy Forum focused on cancer control
Moon S. Chen, Jr., Ph.D., M.P.H.
Robin Shimizu
May Sung, M.P.H.
Alex Sripipatana, M.P.H.
Tung Nguyen, M.D.
Nov 2007 Presentation at the APHA annual meeting, Washington, DC

2. Presentation objectives
Rationale: Explain rationale for convening a health forum focused on APIs & cancer control;
Report: consensus from Aug 23, 2006 forum of the six priority areas
Results: follow-up & what’s next

3. Rationale Policy is a powerful intervention tool.
APIs have not benefited fully from the impact of policy advocacy.
The cancer burden affecting APIs is unique, unusual, and unnecessary.

4. California and Rest of U. S
California and Rest of U.S. Adult per Capita Cigarette Consumption, Packs Per Fiscal Year,
Source: California State Board of Equalization (packs sold) and California Department of Finance (population).

5. Graphic Maps, 2005, http://worldatlas.com/webimage/countrys/as.htm
SOUTH ASIA
Graphic Maps, 2005,

6. The U.S. Associated Pacific Six jurisdictions and Hawai`i are spread across 4.9 million square miles and include hundreds of islands and atolls
USAP alone; area larger than continental US. However, total land mass comparable to state of Rhode Island (1,045 sq mi).
Seven (7) USAP jurisdictions were colonized by the U.S.:
U.S. Provisional Government (1893) / Territory (1898) /State (1959):
Hawai`i
U.S. Flag Territories
Guam, American Samoa, Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands (CNMI)
Freely Associated States (independent countries, but are freely associated with the U.S. through signed compacts of Free Association)
Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) Comprised of 4 states: Chuuk, Kosrae, Pohnpei and Yap Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) Republic of Belau (ROB; Palau) ~480,000 USAP Pacificans reside in the Pacific scattered across 104 inhabited islands, covering an expanse of ocean (without HI) of >3M miles, larger than the continental US. Another 900,000 now live throughout the U.S., concentrated in Hawai`i and California.
Pacific Resources for Education and Learning (

7. Percentage Increases since previous census: Total population v. s
Percentage Increases since previous census: Total population v.s. “API”

8. Unique Cancer Burden
APIs are the first U.S. racial/ethnic group and the only one who experiences cancer as the leading cause of death.
Leading cause of death for AAPIs is cancer for ages (v.s. for only for Whites)

9. Report

11. AANCART & WINCART’s priority areas
Advocate for increased funding for community-based participatory research
Advocate for increased API data collection nationally, including data on lifestyle (e.g., dietary intake, exercise, smoking, etc.)
Ensure that language access and quality of care is a priority.

12. Conduct policy advocacy on health insurance reform (including Medicaid).
Mobilize and educate communities on tobacco control policies.
Advocate for support of legislation addressing Hepatitis B.

13. Results Monthly Community Advisory Councils for AANCART/ACS
Policy Advocacy 101
Policy triumphs

14. The longest journey begins with a single step. Ancient Chinese Proverb