Overall, cancer research is an important part of the commitment
to reduce cancer incidence, morbidity, and mortality
and to improve HRQOL. Ethnic minorities are overrepresented
in cancer burden yet underrepresented in research. Consequently,
the body of knowledge concerning cancer control
with ethnic minority and underserved patients (Ashing-Giwa,
1999) and in HRQOL research in particular is limited. Selection
of treatment regimens, design of public policies, and
programs for cancer care are based on evidence of effi cacyand effectiveness, including the comparative impact of treatments
on QOL. As a result, the weight of scientifi c evidence
that underscores the unequal burden of disease endured by
ethnic minorities and socioeconomically poorer countries
and populations mandates the demonstration of culturally
informed investigations of health care and health outcomes,
including HRQOL. Health disparities research demands the
inclusion of traditionally excluded populations and attention
to complex issues, such as sociopolitical context, cultural
context, network and community context, and microlevel and
personal dimensions