In a report by the Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Center, Black people have the highest risk of Pancreatic Cancer, with an incidence rate being 30 to 70% higher than other racial groups in America.
Not only is the incidence rate of pancreatic cancer higher among Black people, but they also have the poorest survival rates because their cancer is most often diagnosed at more advanced stages.
Here are a few risk factors that illustrate exactly why Pancreatic Cancer affects Black people differently:
Smoking Cigarettes
Some studies show that cigarette smoking makes up more than 25 to 30% of diagnosed pancreatic cancer and doubles the risk of getting pancreas cancer regardless of a racial group.
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However, smoking rates among Blacks in America have historically been higher versus the rest of the US population but today that gap is declining. Most studies show that smoking is the most preventable cause of pancreatic cancer.
Being Overweight
High BMI and being overweight can easily lead to Type 2 Diabetes which is a pancreas cancer risk factor. The Department of Human Services Office of Minority Health statistics shows 31% of Black men and 39% of Black women over the age of 18 are significantly overweight compared to 26% of White men and 23% of White women.
Type 2 Diabetes
More than 80% of people that have Type 2 Diabetes are overweight. Studies show that Type ll Diabetes is a significant risk factor and is more common among Blacks than Whites.
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The Department of Human Services Office of Minority Health says 31% of Black men and 39% of Black women over the age of 18 are obese or significantly overweight compared to 26% of White men and 23% of White women.
According to the Sol Goldman Pancreatic Center, Type 2 Diabetes can double the risk of pancreas cancer.
Pancreatitis
There are two types of pancreatitis. Acute and Chronic. The acute type is sudden onset and chronic type is longstanding and often caused by sustained heavy alcohol abuse.
Multiple attacks of acute or chronic types can cause pancreatic cancer. Studies show that Blacks are at a higher risk of developing pancreatitis of any other racial group.
Low Socioeconomic Status
Lower-income people tend to smoke more and are less likely to exercise proper nutrition with less access to quality healthcare. According to the US Census Bureau, African Americans account for about 25% of poverty in America.
That may indicate that particular diets, conditions that require higher levels of physical activity, low obesity rates, and low smoking rates may be positive mitigating factors. See The worldwide incidence rates.
It is interesting to note however that in spite of Native Americans and Hispanics having a large percentage of poverty, they actually have a lower incidence rate of pancreas cancer than do American Whites.
It is also interesting that world countries with overwhelming Black populations that have extreme levels of poverty actually have a significantly less incidence rate than do African Americans. Such countries include those in Africa, Haiti and the Dominican Republic. That may indicate that particular diets, conditions that require higher levels of physical activity, low obesity rates and low smoking rates may be positive mitigating factors.
Hopefully, this sobering information will lead to better health for us all.
Jasmine Browley holds an MA in journalism from Columbia College Chicago, and has contributed to Ebony, Jet and MADE Magazine among others. So, clearly, she knows some stuff. Follow her digital journey @JasmineBrowley.
