Fast Facts

According to CDC'S Office of Minority Health and Health Disparities, life expectancy and overall health have improved in recent years for most Americans. Despite this fact, not all Americans are benefiting equally. Cancer is an area where specific population groups experience disproportionate rates of incidence, prevalence, mortality, survival, risks, and treatment.

According to the United States Cancer Statistics: 2004 Incidence and Mortality report:

• American Indian/Alaska Native men have the lowest cancer incidence rates; however, Asian/Pacific Islander men have the lowest cancer death rates.



• White women have the highest cancer incidence rates; however, black women have the highest cancer death rates.



• American Indian/Alaska Native women have the lowest cancer incidence rates and the third highest cancer death rates.

Cancer Among Men
The three most common cancers among men of all racial and Hispanic origin populations include prostate, lung, and colorectal cancer. In addition, the four leading causes of cancer death among men include lung, prostate, colorectal, and liver cancer.

Cancer Among Women
The three most common cancers among women of all racial and Hispanic origin populations include breast, lung, and colorectal cancer. In addition, the three leading causes of cancer death among women are lung, breast, and colorectal cancer.

Source: U.S. Cancer Statistics Working Group. United States Cancer Statistics: 2004 Incidence and Mortality. Atlanta (GA): Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and National Cancer Institute; 2007.