Women at high risk for not wanting to breastfeed can be identified for additional support. Interventions should focus on improving breastfeeding knowledge, enhancing confidence in one's ability to breastfeed, and overcoming barriers to breastfeeding, especially lack of social support, among low-income women.

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Given the recent advances in cancer treatment, cancer disparity between whites and African-Americans continues as an unacceptable health problem. AfricanAmericans face a considerable disparity with regard to cancer incidence, survival, and mortality when compared with the majority white population. On the basis of prior research findings, the Deep South Network (DSN) chose to address cancer disparities by using the Community Health Advisor (CHA) model, the KEYWORDS: community health networks, African-Americans, cancer prevention and control, education, awareness, collaboration, community outreach, rural population, urban population, screening. Cancer Health Disparities Among African-AmericansCancer health disparity is a major problem among racial and ethnic minorities in America. African-Americans face a considerable disparity with regard to cancer incidence and mortality. African-American men have a 25% and 43% higher cancer incidence and mortality rate, respectively, for all cancer sites combined, compared with white men.1,2 African-American women have lower incidence rates than do white females for all cancer sites combined, yet they have a 20% higher mortality rate.1,2 For many cancer sites, incidence and mortality rates are consistently higher in African-American women than in white women, except for breast cancer (incidence) and lung cancer (mortality). However, the breast cancer mortality

Objective. This study was conducted to assess the impact of a breastfeeding promotion clinic environment project implemented by the state of Mississippi on breastfeeding knowledge, attitudes, and practices of WIC clinic staff.Methods. Thirteen pairs of matched intervention and comparison WIC clinics participated in the study. Clinical and administrative staff completed pre-test and post-test self-administered questionnaires in 1998 and 1999.Results. A total of 397 staff members provided pre-test data, and 277 staff members provided post-test data. Before project implementation, the intervention and comparison groups were similar overall. The majority of staff had positive attitudes/beliefs about breastfeeding, but gaps in knowledge and practices were noted. Post-test data showed that the project improved knowledge, attitudes/beliefs, and confidence/practice of intervention clinic staff.Conclusions. Clinic environment projects, which combine physical improvements and staff training, are effective in promoting support for breastfeeding among public health clinic staff. Similar interventions may contribute to the overall effectiveness of breastfeeding promotion programs.