The study, published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, also found men and those lacking a usual source of medical care were less likely to receive advice to quit smoking.

"The good news is the number of smokers who are getting advice to quit is rising, from 53 percent in 2000 to 61 percent in 2005, with increases across racial and ethnic groups," Dr. Otis W. Brawley of the American Cancer Society says in a statement. "The bad news is the gap between races still exists. We need to ensure there is broad and consistent application of proven tobacco cessation interventions if we are to sustain the overall progress documented in this study."

Study leader Vilma Cokkinides and colleagues surveyed 4,756 smokers over the age of 18 who visited a healthcare provider and participated in the 2005 National Health Interview Survey.

The researchers found 85 percent of white smokers, 77 percent of African-American smokers and 72 percent of Hispanics were asked about tobacco use. Sixty-three percent of whites, 55 percent of Africa-Americans and 48 percent of Hispanics were advised to quit.