Racial or Ethnic Variations

Note: The numbers in parentheses are the rates per 100,000 people in the United States.

All Cancers Combined, Men

• In 2005, incidence rates were highest among black (590.6), followed by white (526.2), Hispanic (406.2), Asian/Pacific Islander (313.7), and American Indian/Alaska Native (280.1) men.
• In 2005, death rates were highest among black (296.7), followed by white (223.2), Hispanic (154.7), American Indian/Alaska Native (150.8), and Asian/Pacific Islander (133.7) men.

All Cancers Combined, Women

• In 2005, incidence rates were highest among white (410.1), followed by black (380.3), Hispanic (320.8), Asian/Pacific Islander (267.6), and American Indian/Alaska Native (239.1) women.
• In 2005, death rates were highest among black (180.2), followed by white (154.9), American Indian/Alaska Native (107.2), Hispanic (102.5), and Asian/Pacific Islander (94.9) women.

Among Four Races and Hispanic Origin

• American Indian/Alaska Native men have the lowest incidence rates of cancer; however, Asian/Pacific Islander men have the lowest death rates from cancer.
• White women have the highest incidence rates of cancer; however, black women have the highest death rates from cancer.
• American Indian/Alaska Native women have the lowest incidence rates of cancer and the third-highest cancer death rates.

Note: Race- or ethnicity-specific rates are presented for all cancer sites combined.

Source: U.S. Cancer Statistics Working Group. United States Cancer Statistics: 1999–2005 Incidence and Mortality Web-based Report. Atlanta (GA): Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and National Cancer Institute; 2009. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/uscs.