Genomic landscape of cancer in racially and ethnically diverse populations

Cancer incidence and mortality rates can vary widely among different racial and ethnic groups, attributed to a complex interplay of genetic, environmental and social factors. Recently, substantial progress has been made in investigating hereditary genetic risk factors and in characterizing tumour genomes. However, most research has been conducted in individuals of European ancestries and, increasingly, in individuals of Asian ancestries. The study of germline and somatic genetics in cancer across racial and ethnic groups using omics technologies offers opportunities to identify similarities and differences in both heritable traits and the molecular features of cancer genomes. An improved understanding of population-specific cancer genomics, as well as translation of those findings across populations, will help reduce cancer disparities and ensure that personalized medicine and public health approaches are equitable across racial and ethnic groups.