Understanding how genetic ancestry may influence cancer development
Brittany D Lord1, Rachel N Martini2, Melissa B Davis3
1Cancer Prevention Fellowship Program, Division of Cancer Prevention, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA.
Trends in Cancer
|January 14, 2022
Summary
Quantified genetic ancestry offers insights into cancer disparities beyond race. Integrating genetic and social determinants is crucial for developing equitable clinical tools and improving survival outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Public Health
- Oncology
Background:
- Cancer health disparities persist among racial groups.
- Self-reported race has limitations in understanding these disparities.
- Quantified genetic ancestry provides a more nuanced biological perspective.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the role of quantified genetic ancestry in cancer health disparities.
- To emphasize the need for integrating biological and social determinants of health.
- To guide the development of equitable clinical tools for cancer care.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of genetic ancestry data in relation to cancer health disparities.
- Review of existing literature on genetic and social determinants of cancer.
- Comparative analysis of self-reported race versus genetic ancestry.
Main Results:
- Genetic ancestry data expands understanding of cancer disparities beyond self-reported race.
- Biological determinants alone are insufficient to explain disparities.
- Social determinants play a critical role alongside genetic factors.
Conclusions:
- Understanding multifactorial determinants, including genetic ancestry and social factors, is key to addressing cancer health disparities.
- Integrating diverse determinants will enhance clinical tools.
- Achieving equitable cancer survival outcomes requires a comprehensive approach.
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