ASIAN DESCENT HEALTH DISPARITIES
CANCER
In general, Asian Americans have a lower risk of cancer than non-Hispanic whites. However, there are certain cancers that tend to strike this group. Unlike other ethnic groups, cancer is the number one cause of death for Asian Americans. Adults in this group are twice as likely to develop stomach cancer compared to Caucasians. They also have twice the incidence of liver cancer. Their risk of death due to stomach cancer is at least twice as high as whites, as well.
HEART DISEASE
Like cancer, heart disease is much less common in Asian Americans compared to non-Hispanic whites. This is probably related to risk factors. As a group, Asian Americans have lower rates of high blood pressure, obesity, and cigarette smoking. Asian American heart disease is also less deadly, meaning they are less likely to die from it. Still, heart disease is the second most common cause of death among Asian Americans..
STROKE
Stroke has many of the same risk factors as heart disease. So, it isn’t surprising that Asian American stroke trends are similar to heart disease. There is a comparable incidence of stroke between Caucasians and Asian Americans. But Asian Americans are 20% less likely to die from stroke. Despite this, stroke is the number three killer of Asian Americans, which generally follows national statistics.
GET HELP
Dallas Reed, MD
Chief of Genetics, Obstetrician / Gynecologist
Tufts Medical Center
860 Washington St. Boston MA 02111
Hours 8am - 5pm
Phone Number : (617) 636-5000