The epidemiology of cancer in black Americans

Cancer incidence rates among blacks average 10-20 percent higher than among non-minorities, with a much greater excess for several cancers, namely, esophagus, multiple myeloma, cervix, stomach, pancreas, larynx and prostate. Cancer mortality rates for blacks are 20-40 percent higher than for non-minority men, with the greatest excess evident for esophageal cancer, followed by cervix, multiple myeloma and prostate. Blacks have a five-year relative survival rate 30 percent lower than that for whites primarily because blacks seek treatment at a more advanced stage of disease than whites. Preventive health messages and programs need to be expanded to serve disadvantaged communities.