U. S. researchers have said that Blacks feel they are at less risk of getting cancer, even though they have the highest cancer incidence and mortality of all groups.

The study conducted by University of Buffalo is based on the responses of 5,581 adults who completed the 2007 Health Information Trends Survey conducted by the National Cancer Institute.

Respondents were asked how likely they thought it was that they would develop cancer in the future to determine their perceived risk. They answered questions on their family's history of cancer, their history of cigarette smoking, how they rated their current health and their beliefs about the cancer.

Heather Orom, an assistant professor, said in a statement, "Believing that we could develop cancer in our lifetime can motivate us to undergo tests, such as colonoscopy or mammogram to detect cancer early. This knowledge also may motivate us to engage in behaviour such as exercising and eating more fruits and vegetables that can reduce our chances of getting the disease."

The journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention has published the study. (With Inputs from Agencies)