A recent report from the Indiana State Department of Health and the American Cancer Society shows that the African-American population has the highest mortality and shortest survival rates of any racial group in the United States for most cancers.
Although racial disparities have been decreasing in Indiana, African-Americans still had a nearly five percent greater incidence and 21 percent higher mortality than whites.
The leading causes of cancer deaths in Blacks in Indiana are: lung and bronchus, prostate in men, breast in women and colorectal.
Breast
Breast cancer is most often diagnosed in non-Hispanic Caucasians, but for women under the age of 40, incidence rates are higher among African-Americans. Mortality rates are also higher for Blacks, in part because they are more likely to be diagnosed with larger tumors and late-staged cancers.
Take action: Exercising and not taking menopausal hormones can help lower your risk. However, many risk factors – age, family history, early menarche (onset of first period) – cannot be changed, so it’s important to perform self-breast exams and to consult a physician if you notice any lumps or irregularities.
Colorectal
Colorectal cancer incidence rates are highest among African-Americans. Compared to whites, incidence is 20 percent higher and mortality is about 45 percent higher.
Take action: Limit consumption of red and processed meats as well as alcohol. Maintain a healthy weight and be active. Men and women 50 and older should get screened regularly; those with a family history of colorectal cancer should discuss early screening with their physician.
Lung and bronchus
According to the American Lung Association, Blacks are more likely to develop and die from lung cancer despite lower smoking rates. This disease accounted for nearly 35 percent and 23 percent of cancer deaths in Black men and women respectively in 2008.
Take action: Don’t smoke and have your house tested for radon, a radioactive gas. Chronic smokers are encouraged to screen for lung cancer using low dose computed tomography.
Prostate
Prostate cancer is the fourth leading cause of death in African-American men and the second leading cause of cancer death among African-American men in Indiana; nearly one in five will be diagnosed.
Take action: Although many of the reasons behind prostate cancer are not understood, experts do know that family history plays a big role. The American Cancer Society recommends that Black men discuss prostate screening with their physician at age 45 or younger if relatives have or had the disease.
Sources: Rivienne Shedd-Steele, IU Health, IU Simon Cancer Center, American Cancer Society, American Lung Association, Office of Minority Health, Indiana Cancer Consortioum Facts and Figures for African-Americans.
