More Cancer Research Needed Across Ancestry Groups

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A new study hoped to learn more from the data about the health risks, such as smoking, on cancer diagnoses in the Latino community, which in turn, can improve health for all people.

More than 16,000 Latinos participated in the study, and 4% reported instances of some type of cancer.

Cancer has surpassed heart disease as the leading cause of death in this population, yet researchers still know little about how specific risk factors across ancestry groups.

The researchers, part of the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos, and including Dr. Amelie G. Ramirez of the Institute for Health Promotion Research at UT Health San Antonio, did not find a significant relationship between smoking and cancer prevalence. However, it is the belief of the researchers that the lack of a connection can be due to the “cross-sectional nature” of the study. The authors believe that more research is needed to determine the risk factors among various ancestry groups.

According to the findings, Mexicans have the lowest cancer incidences among the ancestry groups surveyed. Puerto Ricans consistently showed the highest rates, especially in cervical, liver, and stomach cancers.

“Characterizing differences in cancer prevalence rates and their correlates is critical to the development and implementation of effective prevention strategies across distinct [ancestry groups],” according to the researchers.