2006 API Health Policy Forum focused on cancer control

In August 2006 the Tobacco Control Section/California Department of Health Services in collaboration with the American Cancer Society/California Division; Asian American Network for Cancer Awareness Research and Training (AANCART); and the Weaving an Islander Network for Cancer Awareness Research and Training (WINCART) convened a one-day forum to share what each organization was doing in public health policy, particularly because of its potential in reducing cancer health disparities as an intervention tool. Participants and presenters included members of these sponsoring entities as well as the Asian and Pacific Islander American Health Forum; Association of Asian and Pacific Islander Community Health Organizations; and the Asian and Pacific Partners for Empowerment and Leadership. Six priority areas emerged by consensus. The historical significance of this forum and especially opportunities to launch synergistic efforts to use policy interventions to reduce cancer health disparities affecting both Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders will be presented. Leveraging the talent and commitment across the spectrum of Asian and Pacific Islander organizations for reducing cancer health disparities through policy is just beginning but will require orchestration