Racial & Ethnic Disparities in Cancer
Despite progress in the detection and treatment of cancer, the disease is still the second-leading cause of death in the United States.
Racial and ethnic minorities suffer from cancer disproportionately.
For all cancers
combined, Black
Americans have
higher cancer death
rates than any other
racial group
Cancer is the
leading cause of
death for Asians
Americans and
Hispanics
Cancers without screenings are more likely to be found late for individuals who are Black, Hispanic or American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) compared to non-Hispanic White individuals
Why Cancer Has a Greater Impact on People of Color
Disparities in cancer outcomes have many causes, including
environmental, behavioral, social, clinical, and cultural factors.
The American Cancer Society states that “the causes of these
inequalities are complex and reflect social and economic
disparities and cultural differences that affect cancer risk, as well
as differences in access to high-quality health care, more than
biological differences.”
Explore More
Late-Stage Diagnosis of Unscreened Cancers: A Health Disparity explores the role of late-stage cancer diagnosis in disparities in cancer care.
Extending the benefits of early detection to more cancers, and to more people, could play a significant role in reducing the risk of poor outcomes for cancer patients, particularly minority patients.
