In conducting culturally competent, multicultural research,
the scientifi c community may begin to forge mutually beneficial
relationships with underserved communities and
further the healing and recovery process from the justifi ed
and well-documented distrust of research studies among
ethnic minorities. Furthermore, if cultural competence can
be achieved in the healthcare system, the quality of care
for patients with cancer of all ethnic backgrounds can be
advanced and cancer disparities in HRQOL for all patients
can be eradicated.