Lung Cancer Incidence by Detailed Race–Ethnicity

Abstract

Lung cancer (LC) incidence rates and tumor characteristics among (non-Hispanic) Black and Hispanic detailed groups, normally characterized in aggregate, have been overlooked in the US. We used LC data from the Florida state cancer registry, 2012–2018, to compute LC age-adjusted incidence rates (AAIR) for US-born Black, Caribbean-born Black, Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban, Dominican, and Central and South American populations. We analyzed 120,550 total LC cases. Among Hispanics, Cuban males had the highest AAIR (65.6 per 100,000; 95%CI: 63.6–67.6), only 8% [Incidence Rate Ratio (IRR): 0.92; 95%CI: 0.89–0.95] lower than Whites, but 2.7 (IRR 95%CI: 2.31-3.19) times higher than Central Americans. Among Blacks, the AAIR for US-born Black males was over three times that of those Caribbean-born (IRR: 3.12; 95%CI: 2.80–3.40) and 14% higher than White males (IRR: 1.14; 95%CI: 1.11–1.18). Among women, US-born Blacks (46.4 per 100,000) and foreign-born Mexicans (12.2 per 100,000) had the highest and lowest rates. Aggregation of non-Hispanic Blacks or Hispanics obscures inherent disparities within groups. Understanding the distinct LC rates in US populations is crucial for targeting public health measures for LC diagnosis, prevention, and treatment. Further LC research exploring detailed race–ethnicity regarding LC in never-smokers is necessary, particularly among females and considering pertinent environmental factors.

Geographic differences in lung cancer: focus on carcinogens, genetic predisposition, and molecular epidemiology

“…Cranford et al studied lung cancer incidence by ethnicity of people living in Florida, including the Hispanic population. 46 They found that, among the Hispanic population, individuals of South American origin had a higher lung cancer incidence adjusted by age compared to those from Central America. In this study, Cubans had the greatest incidence among Hispanics.…”

Unveiling the Impact of Demographic Factors on Disease Survival: A Multifaceted Examination across Diverse Medical Conditions

“…Differences in genetic factors, access to healthcare, or lifestyle choices between the racial groups potentially have an impact. Black males have shown higher rates of lung cancer incidence and mortality, highlighting a significant disparity in this group [16]. Females with a coefficient of -0.01 are slightly better than males whose coefficient is at 0.01, hinting at possible gender-related biological differences in disease progression or response to treatment.…”