Conquering the Numbers

As minorities we have just inherited the increased likelihood of being affected by many different diseases compared to White Americans. It was very shocking to me to find out various diseases affect minorities much more adversely compared to White Americans. From different types of cancers, to diabetes, heart disease, STD's/STI's, and HIV/AIDS minorities are affected more by these diseases than the majority of the population in the United States. Today I want to take a closer look at the what and why disparities in cancer exist among minorities.

According to the 2000 Census, the population was broken down as follows: American India or Alaska Native .9%, Asian or Pacific Islander 4%, African American 12.7%, Caucasian 81.1%, and Multi Racial 1.3% (This information was provided by the CDC ). From this data, you can discern that minorities account for 19.9% of the population, yet the incidence rates of cancer are high proportionate to the size of this population. For example African Americans have the highest incidence of cancer than any other population (607.3 per 100,000 provided by CDC) but only account for 12.7% of the population in the United States.

African Americans also have the highest death rate overall from cancer including the highest death rate from breast cancer. Hispanics and African Americans women have the highest incidence and mortality of cervical cancer. Asian and Pacific Islanders, one of the smallest populations, have the highest incidence of liver and intrahepatic bile duct cancer and stomach cancer. From 1996-2000 American Indian/Native Alaskans women had the third highest death rate from lung and bronchus cancer. This information was provided by the Minority Health Awareness week 2005.

Although, medicine has not advanced to the stage where it can prevent cancer, there are certainly many ways you decreased your chances of being diagnosed with cancer. Adopting a healthier lifestyle by not smoking cigarettes, developing a good diet and exercise routine, and avoiding too much sun exposure can decrease your chances of developing various types of cancers. It may be surprising to some that obesity, lack of physical activity, and nutrition has been linked to cancer. Also be sure to know your family history because your chances of developing various diseases can depend on genetic and environmental factors. Be sure you are having a good conversation with you doctor or health care provider. The rate of death in African American Women with breast and cervical cancer are higher than any population due to the fact that these diseases are usually diagnosed in the late stages (Treatment at this point is usually too late)! This can be explained by the fact African American Women are less likely to received their regular checkups for mammograms and pap smear screenings. Also cultural barriers arise when trying to treat and provide adequate health care for other minorities. Consequently, all must take the necessary steps to improve their health to eliminate these health disparities.

More information can be found at here
Also here are Stay Healthy at Any Checklists for men and women provided by the US Department of Health and Human Services.

Until next eat something with whole grains