By Mark Scott
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wbfo/local-wbfo-890954.mp3
Buffalo, NY – Research shows that African-Americans have the highest cancer rates of all racial groups. But a new study from the University at Buffalo found that they feel less at risk for the disease.
Early screenings are critical for catching cancers before they become deadly. But UB researcher Heather Orom says persons of different racial groups have different ideas and opinions about whether they are at risk for developing cancer.
Orom is an assistant professor in the UB Department of Health Behavior. Results of her study were published in the March issue of the journal "Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention."
Orom says there are a few reasons why African-Americans perceive they're less at risk for cancer. She says Blacks, along with Asians and Hispanics, are not as aware of their family histories.
"Knowing that one has a family history of cancer typically makes people feel that they have a greater chance of getting cancer in their lifetime," says Orom. "A number of studies have shown that non-whites, including blacks, Hispanics and Asians, are less likely to be aware of having a family history of cancer than whites."
One factor Orom's study did not get into is whether this perceived reduced risk actually resulted in fewer cancer screenings among African-Americans, Asians and Hispanics. She says researchers plan to address that next.