Cancer in Asian American males: epidemiology, causes, prevention, and early detection.

Abstract

Objectives: The objective of this paper is to discuss the epidemiology, etiology, and cultural phenomena that characterize cancers specific to Asian American males.

Methods: The author reviewed various published literature concerning the health of Asian American males.

Results: Data show an epidemiological dichotomy in cancer incidences between Asian American males and the general U.S. male population. First, lung and colorectal cancers are among the top three cancers for most Asian groups, similar to the situation in the White population. Second, prostate cancer is the leading, or second leading, cause of cancer for Chinese, Japanese, and Filipino males -- all groups considered, in U.S. terms, to be more established in their migration patterns. Third, liver and stomach cancer are in the top five cancers for most Asian groups, an incidence not shared by the White population.

Conclusions: The most common cancers in Asian American males involve the interplay of host genetic and environmental factors, and both primary and secondary prevention strategies are necessary to decrease the morbidity and mortality rates of this uniquely diverse population.