people of color and pancreatic cancer
SUPPORT · EDUCATE · COMFORT
African Americans have a higher incidence rate of pancreatic cancer than any other racial group in the United States with risks among younger generations and Hispanic women increasing. We’ve partnered with Angel of Edgewood to educate the community about pancreatic cancer to increase awareness, foster early detection, and save lives.
Angel of Edgewood
Under the leadership of Jendayi Scott-Miller, Angel of Edgewood serves as a vital community resource, providing food, housing, clothing, and health services.Together, the Ron Foley Foundation and Angel of Edgewood produced a public service announcement highlighting the importance of sharing family medical history, particularly concerning cancers such as pancreatic cancer.support
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
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Race and Ethnicity
Cigarettes or Tobacco Use
Family History
Pancreatitis
Type 2 Diabetes
Obesity
Alcohol Use
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Abdominal pain
Lower back pain
Jaundice without pain
Sudden or extreme weight loss
Type 2 Diabetes
Nausea
Bloating
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Learn about the disease, know what to watch for — stay informed. Learn more >
If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, we are here to support you. Please contact us.We want to emphasize that if you or a loved one is affected by pancreatic cancer, you are not a statistic, and you are not alone in this fight.
Your journey and outcome are uniquely yours, and they are not dictated by data or averages — your experience matters deeply. These statistics do not define your survival as an individual. However, it’s crucial to recognize the statistical disparities between People of Color and Caucasian pancreatic cancer patients. Pancreatic cancer is the third deadliest cancer, with the worst survival rate. African Americans are more likely to get pancreatic cancer than any other group, with increasing risks to a younger generation as well as Hispanic women. Understanding these differences can help us work towards improving outcomes for all patients in the future.
Pancreatic Cancer is more common among african americans
African Americans have a higher incidence rate of pancreatic cancer than any other racial group in the United States. According to the National Library of Medicine, the incidence of pancreatic cancer in African Americans is 50% to 90% higher than the incidence in other racial groups. Not only is it more common among African Americans, but they are more often diagnosed with advanced, and therefore, inoperable cancer. They are also less likely to undergo evaluation by a surgeon, and less likely to receive surgery than any other racial group in the United States, even when their cancers are found early.
WHY?
Many studies have been conducted to determine why there is an increased risk of pancreatic cancer among African Americans. These studies suggest that environmental and socioeconomic factors may be important. Cigarette smoking, which causes about 25% of pancreatic cancer, is more common among African Americans and therefore may partially explain why the disease is more common. Other risk factors include diabetes mellitus, pancreatitis, and being overweight. No matter what your race, we urge you to take action to reduce your risk of pancreatic cancer!