How Pancreatic Cancer Affects Black People Differently

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.

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.

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.