The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention rates heart
disease as the leading cause of death for the American population as a whole.
With an estimated 611,105 deaths attributed to this cause in 2013 alone, it
outpaces cancer, respiratory disease and even accidents and strokes. That’s not
the case, however, for America’s Hispanic population. Cancer in this
racial/ethnic group is hands down, the number one killer, researchers say.
A recently released study on the issue showed that cancer overtook
heart disease for this group back in 2009. Its prevalence remains strong with
certain forms of the disease much more likely in the Hispanic population.
Researchers found the most commonly diagnosed forms of cancer in Hispanic men
were prostate, colorectal, lung and bronchial. For women, breast, thyroid and
colorectal topped the list. Lung cancer, however, remains the most deadly form
of the disease for Hispanic men. Breast
cancer tops the list of most deadly forms of the disease for Hispanic
women. It’s followed closely by lung cancer and colorectal.
All told, researchers anticipated that 125,900 new cancer cases
would be reported in the Hispanic population in 2015 alone. While all cancers
are a concern, thyroid cancer rates are of particular concern. This form of
cancer tends to have an earlier diagnosis age and its diagnosis is increasing
rapidly among both Hispanic and non-Hispanic women within America.
As cancer overtakes other causes of death in the Hispanic
population, people can take steps to lower their risks. Eating right,
exercising and making smart lifestyle choices can help reduce overall cancer
risks. it’s also important to understand family history and other risk factors
that may play a role. People who are concerned about cancer are urged to speak
with their healthcare providers. A personal physician can assist patients in
determining risk factors for cancer and may offer insights on how to lower
those risks.
