Racial Differences in Cancer Susceptibility and Survival: More Than the Color of the Skin?

Abstract

Epidemiological studies point to race as a determining factor in cancer susceptibility. In US registries recording cancer incidence and survival by race (distinguishing “Black versus White”), individuals of African ancestry have a globally increased risk of malignancies compared to Caucasians and Asian Americans. Differences in socioeconomic status and health care access play a key role. However, the lesser disease susceptibility of Hispanic populations with comparable life-styles and socioeconomic status as African Americans, (“Hispanic paradox”) points to the concomitant importance of genetic determinants. Here, we overview the molecular basis of racial disparity in cancer susceptibility ranging from genetic polymorphisms and cancer-driver gene mutations to obesity, chronic inflammation and immune responses. We discuss implications for race-adapted cancer screening programs and clinical trials to reduce disparities in cancer burden.

Methodologic limitations of prescription opioid safety research and recommendations for improving the evidence base

“…Some studies cited in the CDC guidelines included data from the 1980s and 1990s, 18 For example, some studies included skin cancer patients but excluded patients with other types of cancer. 22,23,27,31 Previous studies have shown that White race is associated with a higher incidence of skin cancer, 54 pain, 55 receiving opioids, 56,57 and experiencing overdose. 36 Therefore, selective inclusion of skin cancers (or selective exclusion of other cancers) could lead to selection bias, threatening both internal and external validity.…”

Genome-wide DNA methylation signatures to predict pathologic complete response from combined neoadjuvant chemotherapy with bevacizumab in breast cancer

“…However, their study has a significant age difference (median age 61) compared to ours (median age 43), and did not account for racial differences in the analysis. Since both age [43] and race [44,45] play important roles in predicting cancer risk, and are related to the DNA-methylation changes in breast cancer tissues [46][47][48], our…”

Age Influences on the Molecular Presentation of Tumours

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