NEW YORK: In recognition of March as Colon Cancer Awareness Month, the American Cancer Society's Asian Initiatives Unit will host a community health fair on March 29 to help promote cancer prevention and early detection in the Asian community.

The event will take place at the Bowne Street Community Church, 143-11 Roosevelt Avenue, Flushing, NY 11354. Asian Americans face a higher than average risk of developing and dying of cancer. Cancer is the leading cause of death for female Asian Americans.

In fact, Asian American females are the first American population to experience cancer as the leading cause of death. As the demographic face of America changes, it magnifies the importance of developing better cancer care in minority communities.

The American Cancer Society is aggressively working to reach minority communities in New York and New Jersey with a comprehensive strategy of outreach, education, advocacy and services. The American Cancer Society provides free programs and screening opportunities throughout New York and New Jersey.

To meet the needs of the Asian Community, the American Cancer Society's Asian Initiative health fair will provide attendees with the opportunity to obtain cancer and other health information from hospitals, clinics, nursing homes and insurance companies.

Free blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol testing will be available as well as complimentary mammograms, pap smears, and oral cancer screenings. In particular, the American Cancer Society has made improving coverage for colon cancer screening a high priority.

At the fair, free fecal occult blood tests (FOBT) will be provided to eligible individuals.