Cancer can often come out of nowhere, especially leukemia, a type of blood cancer that doesn't typically run in families. Leukemia is a broad term for cancers that affect your blood cells. While we know that leukemia is caused by genetic mutations, what exactly triggers these mutations is still a mystery.
Researchers are currently exploring various potential causes of leukemia, including underlying genetic differences, as well as exposure to radiation and chemicals, which seem to increase the risk. Race and ethnicity also appear to play a role in the incidence of leukemia, with certain racial and ethnic groups having a higher risk. However, the reasons behind these disparities are not yet fully understood.
Which Races and Ethnicities Are Most at Risk?
Studies on childhood leukemia in the U.S. suggest that white individuals have a higher risk of developing leukemia, while Black Americans have the lowest risk. Additionally, research indicates that people of Asian descent may have a greater risk of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and Hispanic Americans may have a relatively higher risk of childhood leukemia.
While Black Americans may have a lower risk of developing leukemia, they have been found to have the lowest survival rates for all types of leukemia compared to non-Hispanic white, Hispanic white, or Asian and Pacific Islander individuals, according to a study in Scientific Reports.
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White Americans seem to be at a higher risk of leukemia compared to Black Americans, because more white Americans are diagnosed with the condition. However, the fact that Black Americans have worse outcomes and shorter lives due to leukemia represents a different kind of risk, one that healthcare providers and families should be aware of.
Leukemia by Subtype
Leukemia has four main subtypes:
Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL)
ALL is most commonly diagnosed in childhood, accounting for about one-quarter of all pediatric cancers. A study in California found that Black children were the least likely to develop ALL compared to white, Asian, and Hispanic children. Hispanic children were found to be at the highest risk of developing ALL. This aligns with data suggesting that Hispanics bear a disproportionate burden of childhood leukemia.
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)
Some researchers have observed that Black people with CLL are more likely than people of other races and ethnicities to have concurrent mutations in genes and chromosomes, as well as different levels of certain blood markers. These biological differences may partly explain why Black people with CLL have worse outcomes and tend to die sooner than white people with the condition. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings. White Americans appear to be at the highest risk for developing CLL compared to minority populations.
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Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)
Research suggests that Asian people are at a higher risk of developing AML. AML is most commonly diagnosed later in life, with an average age of diagnosis being 66. However, AML can also be diagnosed in childhood, with Hispanic people appearing to be at a greater risk of developing AML at a young age.
Studies have also found that Hispanic and Black Americans are less likely to receive treatment for AML. This may partly explain why Black people with leukemia continue to live shorter lives than people from different backgrounds. Researchers have found that poverty is linked to worse outcomes among Black people with AML.
Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML)
CML is the rarest of the four subtypes, so it is less understood at this time. However, researchers have found that Black Americans, particularly Black women, have shorter survival rates than people of other races. One study suggests that Black women may have heightened resistance to a common treatment for CML, making it less effective. However, further research is needed to verify this finding. White people appear to be disproportionately affected by CML, representing the highest number of cases.
Tips for Black Individuals
- Stay informed about your health by attending regular check-ups and screenings.
- Be proactive in discussing your family's medical history with your healthcare provider.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle through regular exercise and a balanced diet.
- Seek support from healthcare professionals and support groups if you or a loved one is diagnosed with leukemia.
