Blacks and Hispanics are more likely to die from prostate cancer, breast cancer and uterine cancer than others, according to the brand-new data from the American Cancer Society. That despite considerable declines in cancer death rates throughout the United States, by 33 percent since 1991. Such decreases are credited to the changes in the group’s annual report on cancer statistics.
Survival disparities are particularly notable for prostate cancer, specifically among Black men. The death rate for prostate cancer among Black men was three times greater than in other men, as inferred from this new study.
What is the reason for this disparity?
Experts say the reasoning behind those disparities isn’t entirely clear. “A higher incidence of genetic changes associated with more aggressive disease may be one cause. However, other causes—such as reduced access to healthcare and higher uninsured rates—are equally important,” said Dr. Paul Corn, interim chair of genitourinary medical oncology at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.
Overall, prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in men. Since 2014, rates have increased by 3% per year after two decades of decline. This means 99,000 more cases of prostate cancer are being diagnosed compared to what would be expected if the number of cases remained stable
Are there available treatments?
There has been limited success in development treatment strategies to improve life expectancy for women with uterine cancer, which ranks 24th in National Cancer Institute research funding. The new report highlights the importance of directing more resources to uterine cancer research, said Dr. Jolyn Taylor, assistant professor of Gynecologic Oncology at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.
Still, there’s been major progress in addressing other types of cancer. There was a 65% decrease in cervical cancer rates in women between 2012 and 2019, according to the report, which shows the impact of the HPV vaccine. That vaccination can prevent cancers caused by the HPV virus, which includes cervical cancer.
The American Cancer Society also says it’s taking steps to tackle rising rates of prostate cancer. Today the organization announced the launch of an initiative called IMPACT — Improving Mortality from Prostate Cancer Together. The initiative will include research, patient support, and advocacy programs, according to a statement. The organization aims to “reduce death rates from prostate cancer in all demographics and disparities for Black men by 2035,” Knudsen said in the statement.
Resource: Yahoo, Jennifer Miao, MD, is a fellow physician in cardiology at Yale School of Medicine/Yale New Haven Hospital and a member of the ABC News Medical Unit.
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