• African-Americans have a decreased likelihood of surviving 5 years after a cancer diagnosis than whites for all cancers and at all stages of diagnosis.
• Much of the disparity in survival for African-Americans is believed to be due to factors associated with poverty, including reduced access to
Medical care, diagnosis at later stage, and disparities in treatment
• The relative five year survival rate for breast cancer diagnosed from 1999-2000 among African-American women was 75% compared to 89% for whites.
• The relative five year survival rate for colorectal cancer improved from 45% in 1974-76 to 55% om 2000. However, this improvement was smaller than that of whites (50% to 64%) over the same period of time
• 88% of of all prostate cancers among African-Americans are diagnosed at the local and regional stages compared to 91% in whites. When diagnosed at this stage, the relative survival rate is 100%. The 5-year survival rate drops to 29% when the cancer has spread to distant sites.
American Cancer Society – Cancer Facts and Figures for African-Americans 2005-2006
Learn more about these topics by clicking on the links.
CDC: Breast Cancer & Mammography Info
Hear the entire show online
Listen to Against the Odds: African Americans & Cancer online.
Black men have a 40 percent higher death rate from all cancers than white men, and they are twice as likely to die of prostate cancer. Although white women have the highest rates of breast cancer, black women have the highest mortality rates. Despite a decrease in overall rates and increase in mortality rates, African Americans continue to experience disproportionately high death rates from lung cancer. This program explores the impact of race and economics on access to competent health care providers.
Prostate Cancer: To Test or Not To Test?
Prostate-specific Antigen is a protein produced by the cells of the prostate gland. The prostate gland surrounds part of the urethra, just below the bladder, and produces a fluid that forms part forms part of the semen.
Should you be tested?
Journey to Wellness Community Health Communications Network
The Journey To Wellness Community Health Communications Network (CHCN) is a collaborative partnership initiative of BioTechnical Communications, Inc.
