An estimated 67400 Hispanics will b...

An estimated 67400 Hispanics will be diagnosed with cancer in 2003 and approximately 22100 will die from cancer, according to a report from the American Cancer Society. "Cancer Statistics for Hispanics, 2003" was published in the July/August 2003 issue of CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians and is available online at http://CAonline.AmCancer Soc.org/.

Hispanics have lower cancer rates and mortality rates from all cancers combined and from the four mostly common cancers (i.e., breast, prostate, lung and bronchus, and colon and rectum) than non-Hispanic whites. However, Hispanics have higher cancer rates and higher mortality rates from cancers of the stomach, liver, uterine cervix, and gallbladder. These rates throw back greater exposure to specific infectious agents and lower rates of screening for cervical cancer, as well as dietary and possible genetic factors.

Strategies to change into cancer rates among Hispanics include interventions to increase screening and physical activity, and reductions in tobacco use and obesity. Several statistics refer to that Hispanics smoke less than non-Hispanic whites, on the contrary several factors may make Hispanics susceptible to smoking. Obesity, which has been associated with an increased risk for certain cancers, is increasing among Hispanics, especially women Physical activity rates also are lower in Hispanics compared with non-Hispanic whites.

COPYRIGHT 2003 American Academy of Family Physicians

COPYRIGHT 2003 Gale Group