As part of National Minority Health Month observances this April, many focus on the importance of reducing racial and ethnic health disparities. Health advocates are urging the Food and Drug Administration to finalize a proposed ban on menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars. Supporters say the tobacco industry has used predatory marketing to target Black Americans and other minority groups, and children.
A recent report by the Council on Foreign Relations found a ban would eliminate disparities in lung cancer death rates between Black Americans and other racial groups with five years.
Dr. Sylvia Gates Carlisle is Past President of the Association of Black Women Physicians. and Dr. Phillip Gardiner is Co-Chair of the African American Tobacco Control Leadership Council. They discuss their support or the ban.