There are clear differences in cancer diagnosis rates by ethnicity, according to a study published today.
The analysis was based on NHS Digital cancer registration information, which specified ethnicity in 94% of cancer cases. This is the most complete recording to date of cancer rates by ethnicity in England, according to the researchers, led by Dr Katrina Brown of Cancer Research UK.
The authors report their results in the British Journal of Cancer today. They show that White people have double the rate of melanoma skin cancer, oesophageal, bladder and lung cancers than people from Black, Asian or Mixed ethnic backgrounds.
Myeloma and prostate cancer are highest in Black people, as are stomach and liver cancers. Asian people have higher rates of liver cancers including H. pylori and hepatitis.
The authors point out that genetics may explain some of the findings, but preventable risk factors also play a role, such as smoking and being overweight or obese.
Some evidence suggests that smoking and obesity rates in people from Black, Asian or Mixed ethnic backgrounds may become similar to those in White people in future.
Dr Brown commented: “The cancer incidence we see today is partly the product of smoking and obesity in decades past, if we don’t tackle these risk factors today, we could see cancer rates rise in future for people from ethnic minority groups.”
Michelle Mitchell of Cancer Research UK added: “It’s clear addressing cancer inequalities must be central to Sajid Javid’s new ten-year cancer plan and include being bolder on cancer prevention – tightening tobacco control and implementing, not u-turning on obesity policy.
“More research is needed to understand the challenges faced by different ethnic groups and how the cancer journey differs for people.”
Brown, K. et al. British Journal of Cancer 2 March 2022
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