African Americans Have A Much
Higher Risk of Pancreatic Cancer
Incidence Rate Among Blacks
African Americans have a much higher pancreatic cancer incidence rate than any other racial group in America. There have been several studies researching this disparity and for the most part have drawn very similar conclusions. Some studies discount socio-economic reasons while others maintain there is a correlation.
According to a report by the Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Center, the incidence rate of pancreatic cancer among Blacks is 50% to 90% higher than other racial groups. It also concludes that Blacks are less likely to receive surgery.
Smoking Effect On Increased Risk
Cigarette smoking is considered a significant risk of cancer of the pancreas. In fact some studies show that smoking causes about 25% of all cases of pancreatic cancer. Smoking is more common among African Americans versus other races. Although Blacks do quit smoking at the same rate as Whites, a higher ratio of Blacks still continue to smoke. These facts would tend to be a legitimate reason why Blacks do experience a higher degree of risk of pancreatic cancer.
Obesity, Pancreatitis and Type 2 Diabetes Risk Factors
Obesity is a high risk factor for pancreatic cancer. That is likely because obesity is also a risk factor of diabetes, which in-turn is a significant pancreatic cancer risk factor. According to the Department of Human Services Office of Minority Health, 31% of Black men and 39% of Black women over the age of 18 are obese or significantly overweight. Those numbers compare to 26% of White men and 23% of White women.
Type 2 Diabetes and Pancreatitis is also more common among African Americans than Whites. Over 80% of people that have Type 2 Diabetes are overweight. According to the Sol Goldman Pancreatic Center, Type 2 Diabetes doubles the risk of cancer of the pancreas. These facts would also serve to support reasons why Blacks experience a higher occurence of pancreatic cancer.
Possible Income Disparity
According to the US Census Bureau, African Americans account for about 25% of Americans at the poverty level. Poverty and low income could be associated with increased risk. Individuals who earn lower incomes tend to smoke more which doubles the risk of pancreatic cancer. Those at poverty levels are also less likely to receive proper nutitition or quality healthcare.
It is interesting however that even though there is a greater number of Hispanics and Native Americans at the poverty level versus Whites, the incidence rates of pancreatic cancer among Hispanics and Native Americans are significantly less versus the White population. Read these statistics.
Other Information Sources
- Obesity and African Americans
- Diabetes and African Americans
- Black Incidence of Pancreatic Cancer
- Race Incidence and Mortality
