Cancer Remains Leading Cause of Death for American Hispanics

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.