The Deadly Disease African American Men Aren't Talking Enough About

An estimated five percent of the world’s population has COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and in the U.S., COPD is the third leading cause of death after cancer and heart disease. For Black men, COPD could be a double whammy death risk according to one recent study.

Researchers at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston found that COPD is a much greater lung cancer risk factor for Black men than for white.

Black Americans are more likely to develop and die from lung cancer than any other racial/ethnic group.

The lung cancer risk assessment designed specifically for Black Americans confirms that COPD presents unique lung cancer risk factors for Black Americans.

“The one-size-fits-all risk prediction clearly does not work,” says Carol Etzel, Ph.D., assistant professor of epidemiology at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center.

Black men with a prior history of COPD had a more than sixfold increased risk of lung cancer. This is approximately two-fold higher than the risk typically seen from COPD among whites.

10 Things Black Men Need To Know About COPD

Startling research and statistics are a great place to start talking about COPD, but to keep the conversation going (and hopefully preserve lives), here are 10 COPD facts Black men need to know now.

1. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a blanket term for lung-damaging disorders that make breathing difficult. There are two types of COPD: chronic bronchitis (the most common) and emphysema.

2. Smoking is the greatest risk factor for COPD, accounting for 80 percent of all COPD deaths.

3. Other causes of COPD include environmental toxins (e.g., biomass fuels), recurrent lower respiratory tract infections, secondhand smoke, severe asthma that may evolve into COPD and family history.

4. Nearly 12 million Americans with COPD don’t know they have it.

5. Chest tightness, frequent shortness of breath and coughing, difficulty sleeping, wheezing, weight loss and chronic fatigue can all be symptoms of COPD.

6. If you are exhibiting any symptoms associated with COPD, see your doctor immediately. Your doctor will perform lung function tests and prescribe medications if COPD is the diagnosis.

7. There is no cure for COPD.

8. To decrease your risk of COPD or slow its progression, quit smoking if you are a smoker, and if you don’t smoke, never start.

9. Daily exercise, improved nutrition and following your doctor’s treatment plan are all ways to manage your COPD and improve your well-being.

10. One in five Americans over the age of 45 years old has COPD.

Tips for Managing COPD:

Quit Smoking Immediately: Smoking is the leading cause of COPD. If you smoke, quitting is the most important step you can take to improve your lung health and overall well-being. Seek support through smoking cessation programs, counseling, or medications if needed.
Avoid Secondhand Smoke and Pollutants: Protect yourself from exposure to secondhand smoke and environmental toxins. These can worsen COPD symptoms and increase the risk of lung cancer.
Get Vaccinated: Stay up to date with vaccinations, especially for flu and pneumonia. Respiratory infections can be particularly dangerous for those with COPD.
Practice Good Respiratory Hygiene: Wash your hands regularly, avoid close contact with people who are sick, and wear a mask in crowded places to reduce the risk of respiratory infections.
Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep track of your symptoms and how they change over time. Early detection of worsening symptoms can prevent complications.
Engage in Pulmonary Rehabilitation: Participate in a pulmonary rehabilitation program if recommended by your doctor. These programs offer exercise training, education, and support to help you manage your condition.
Eat a Healthy Diet: Good nutrition can strengthen your immune system and help you maintain a healthy weight, both of which are important for managing COPD. Focus on a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
Stay Active: Regular physical activity can help improve your lung function and overall health. Talk to your doctor about exercises that are safe for you, such as walking, swimming, or using a stationary bike.
Use Medications as Prescribed: If prescribed, use inhalers, bronchodilators, or other medications as directed by your doctor to manage symptoms and prevent flare-ups.
Seek Support: Living with COPD can be challenging, both physically and emotionally. Consider joining a support group or speaking with a counselor to help manage the emotional impact of the disease.

These tips, combined with regular medical check-ups, can help Black men with COPD take control of their health and reduce their risk of complications like lung cancer.

Visit the BlackDoctor.org COPD center for more articles.