Cancer in Asian Americans: Epidemiology and Prevention

Although Asian Americans generally have lower cancer rates than other racial/ethnic groups in the U.S., cancer is the leading cause of death among Chinese, Filipino, Korean, and Vietnamese Americans. Overall, Asian Americans are 40% less likely to die from cancer than white individuals, but they are twice as likely to die from liver and stomach cancer, reflecting cancer risks in Asian countries of origin. Asian Americans comprise more than 40 ethnic subgroups, leading to variations in cancer risk within this group. The seminar highlights high cancer risks and related cancer risk factors in several large Asian American groups. Cancer screening uptake rates among Asian Americans are generally lower, contributing to higher mortality in certain cancers. Ann Hsing, PhD, MPH, is a professor of medicine and of epidemiology and population health at the Stanford University School of Medicine. She is a molecular epidemiologist whose research focuses on investigating cancer etiology and prevention through population-based epidemiological studies. Dr. Hsing has carried out studies on four continents for over 35 years. At Stanford, she leads the seven-year NIH-funded MOSAAIC cohort study (Multi-ethnic Observational Study in American Asian and Pacific Islander Communities), a groundbreaking health research study on Asian Americans (https://med.stanford.edu/arise). She also serves as the principal investigator of a newly funded five-country study investigating the use of biomarkers for early detection of multiple cancers, including cancers of the esophagus, liver, stomach, pancreas, colorectum, ovary, and lung (https://med.stanford.edu/the-hsing-lab/research/cancer.html). Dr. Hsing has published more than 370 peer-reviewed papers and has mentored more than 90 junior investigators (https://med.stanford.edu/the-hsing-lab.html). Want to know more? Ask Us. http://l.ead.me/ask-us The medical librarians at Stanford Health Library are here to help you find reliable information to answer your health-related questions. We use a variety of the most current, scientifically based resources to answer your specific questions and will send you a research packet tailored to you. This is a free service open to everyone. Take 5 minutes for yourself. Check out Stanford Health Library's free mindfulness and meditation resources including guided meditations to help ease pain, aid in healthful sleep, promote successful surgery, and more: http://l.ead.me/shl-mindfulness