Race and outcomes: is this the end of the beginning for minority health research?

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Abstract
In this issue of the Journal, Dignam et al. ( 1 ) report on the outcomes of black patients with colon cancer compared with white patients with colon cancer after adjuvant chemotherapy in five randomized clinical trials. This type of analysis puts solid statistical methodology to work to answer some important societal questions. Ultimately, it helps one understand that equal treatment yields equal outcome among patients with the same stage of disease regardless of race. In combination with a number of studies with similar findings with regard to other cancers and with trials exploring other treatment modalities, it makes one realize that race should not be a factor in determining the treatment of cancer patients. A bit of history will put these statements into perspective.

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