The American Cancer Society (ACS) says 76 people in Brooklyn die of cancer every week.

The ACS reports that Blacks, Latinos and Asians have a greater risk of dying from cancer than whites. The organization attributes that staggering statistic to poor access to good health care. Doctors from ACS are trying to get the word out about programs for the uninsured in the borough. They say at least 80 lives were saved by free colon screening to detect colorectal cancer, which is the third most common cancer.

This past year, the City Council has allocated $1.2 million for colorectal screenings. However, the ACS is pushing for $1.5 million to expand its services for the uninsured in Brooklyn.

Related Information American Cancer Society