Related Experiment Videos
Cancer statistics for African Americans
Asma Ghafoor1, Ahmedin Jemal, Vilma Cokkinides
1Department of Epidemiology and Surveillance Research, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, GA, USA.
CA: a Cancer Journal for Clinicians
|December 10, 2002
Summary
African Americans face a high cancer burden, with declining incidence and mortality rates, especially in males. However, later-stage diagnoses and lower survival rates persist, highlighting ongoing health disparities.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- African Americans experience disproportionately higher cancer incidence and mortality rates compared to other racial and ethnic groups.
- Despite progress, cancer remains a significant health challenge for the African American community.
- Existing disparities in cancer outcomes necessitate ongoing monitoring and research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present the latest cancer statistics for African Americans, including incidence, mortality, survival, and lifestyle behaviors.
- To analyze trends in cancer rates among African Americans over time.
- To identify and highlight persistent disparities in cancer outcomes within this population.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the National Cancer Institute's (NCI) Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program for incidence and survival.
- Incorporated mortality data from the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS).
- Included behavioral data from national surveys such as the Behavior Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS), and National Health Interview Survey (NHIS).
Main Results:
- An estimated 132,700 new cancer cases and 63,100 deaths were projected for African Americans in 2003.
- Cancer incidence rates decreased by 2.7% annually in African-American males since 1992, while stabilizing in females.
- Cancer death rates declined by 2.1% in males and 0.4% in females, with the most significant decrease observed in African-American males.
- African Americans continue to bear the highest cancer burden, often diagnosed at later stages with lower survival rates compared to whites.
Conclusions:
- While cancer rates are declining in African Americans, particularly males, significant disparities persist.
- Later-stage diagnosis and lower survival rates at each disease stage contribute to the overall cancer burden.
- Further research is needed to understand the extent to which unequal healthcare access and other factors contribute to these disparities.