American Lung Association's report examines lung cancer among African Americans

Apr 13 2010

The American Lung Association today released its report, Too Many Cases, Too Many Deaths: Lung Cancer in African Americans, a compilation of research examining lung cancer among African Americans and the need to eliminate this and other health disparities. The report, which includes a preface by William J. Hicks, M.D., provides important information on the possible biological, environmental, political and cultural factors that make African Americans more likely to get lung cancer and more likely to die from it.

Lung cancer is the number one cancer killer in the nation.  It has been the leading cause of cancer death among men since the early 1950s, and in 1987 it surpassed breast cancer as the leading cause of cancer deaths among women. African Americans, however, suffer from lung cancer more than any other population group in the United States.  Key facts regarding this disparity include the following:

• Despite lower smoking rates, African Americans are more likely to develop and die of lung cancer than whites.  
• African American men are 37 percent more likely to develop lung cancer than white men, even though their overall exposure to cigarette smoke – the primary risk factor for lung cancer – is lower.
• African Americans are more likely to be diagnosed later, when cancer is more advanced.
• African Americans are more likely to wait longer after diagnosis to receive treatment, to refuse treatment, and to die in the hospital after surgery.

"As an organization dedicated to public health, we have an important role to play in raising awareness and reducing the toll of lung cancer as the number one cancer killer among African Americans," said Charles D. Connor, American Lung Association President and CEO.  "We want to thank Dr. Hicks for lending his expertise to help raise awareness around this important issue in an effort to eliminate this and other health disparities that exist in our country."

While the reasons for this unequal burden are not entirely clear, the Lung Association's report presents a compilation of research that examines smoking behavior, workplace exposures, genetics, access to healthcare, discrimination and social stress, as well as other possible contributors as to why African Americans are disproportionately affected by lung cancer.  

"The American Lung Association's report provides overwhelming evidence to support the case for a racial difference in the burden of lung cancer," said Dr. Hicks. "The movement to make lung cancer, a disease which was rarely encountered before the 20th century, another example of man's ability to overcome a public health threat is foretold in this effort."  

"While some progress has been made, especially in reducing smoking rates and exposure to secondhand smoke," Connor, continued, "much remains to be done.  Reducing lung cancer needs a focused effort. The Lung Association stands ready to work with the healthcare industry as well as governments, community leaders and individuals, to eliminate the disparity of lung cancer in African Americans."

The American Lung Association is calling for increased research funding on lung cancer and other health disparities.  Enactment and implementation of proven policies to reduce tobacco including curbing cigarette advertising targeting youth, comprehensive smokefree air laws and coverage of tobacco cessation services, are needed.  Radon exposure in federal housing must be addressed. Changes to the healthcare system to improve access to care, improve delivery of healthcare to reduce communication barriers between patients and providers, and recruiting more minorities to the healthcare field.

Last month, the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) Tobacco Products Scientific Advisory Committee met to review the science relating to the issue of menthol in cigarettes and its impact on public health.  The Committee's report and recommendations are due in March of 2011.  FDA is also required to develop an action plan with stakeholders to enforce restrictions on the promotion and advertising of menthol and other cigarettes to youth.  The Lung Association eagerly awaits both sets of recommendations.  

SOURCE American Lung Association