African Americans have a higher risk of being diagnosed with these three chronic illnesses

An epidemic of chronic diseases continues to grow in the United States; half the population — an estimated 129 million Americans — have lifelong health conditions that need continuous medical attention and limit certain daily activities. By 2060, researchers predict the number of Americans with chronic diseases will rise by 28% to 170 million. 

Cancer, diabetes, and heart disease are the leading causes of death and disability from chronic diseases in the United States. Alarmingly, chronic illnesses disproportionately affect African Americans, who are two times more likely to develop a long-term disease than their white counterparts. For example, compared to other races:

• African Americans have higher rates of diagnosis and death from cancer.

• African American adults are 60% more likely to be diagnosed with diabetes than white adults.

• Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, and African Americans are 30% more likely to have high blood pressure and 30% more likely to die from heart disease than white individuals.

Learn more about three of the most common chronic diseases that affect African Americans as well as tips for preventing, managing and treating them if you are at risk.

The American Cancer Society estimates that 42% of all cancer cases and 45% of cancer deaths occur because of lifestyle risk factors including smoking, obesity, alcohol intake, poor diet, physical inactivity and exposure to cancer-associated infections.

• The average African American woman diagnosed with breast cancer has a life expectancy of age 60, while white women are expected to live until 64. Mammography is the best procedure to detect breast cancer at an early stage. Women should begin regular mammography testing at age 40. Talk with your provider about when you should begin breast cancer screening. BJC provides online mammogram scheduling and same- or next-day appointments at many of our Breast Care Centers across the region.

• Lung cancer is the second most common cancer in both men and women, and from 2014-2018, there was a 12% higher incidence rate in Black men than in white men. A lung cancer screening is recommended if you are between 50 and 77 years old, smoked a pack of cigarettes a day for 20 years, or two packs a day for 10 years, or quit smoking within the past 15 years but meet the above criteria. If you meet the criteria above, talk with your doctor to decide if screening is right for you. 

• One in eight men in the United States will be diagnosed with prostate cancer at some point in their lives. One in six Black men will develop prostate cancer. A prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test and digital rectal exam (DRE) identify prostate cancer in its preliminary stages. Talk to your physician to determine which prostate cancer screening is best for you.

If you or a loved one needs a cancer screening or has a diagnosis, find a specialist at BJC HealthCare.

Type 2 diabetes, a condition that affects the production of insulin in the body and results in elevated blood sugar levels, most often occurs in middle-aged and older people with a family history of diabetes, and in those who are overweight or obese.

• African American adults are twice as likely to develop Type 2 diabetes than white adults.

• By 2060, researchers predict that Black youth will be diagnosed with diabetes at a disproportionately higher rate than white youth.

 

Type 2 diabetes is preventable through lifestyle changes. The risk can be reduced by losing extra weight, being more physically active and eating healthy plant-based foods.

If you or a loved one wants to discuss more ways to prevent Type 2 diabetes with a primary care provider, find a BJC doctor. 

Diabetes is a major determinant of heart disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, if you have diabetes, you're twice as likely to have heart disease or a stroke than someone who doesn't have diabetes. 

• According to the U.S. Office of Minority Health, in 2019, African Americans were 30% more likely to die from heart disease than whites, and African American women are almost 50% more likely to have high blood pressure compared to their white counterparts.

 

The American Heart Association recommends managing your blood pressure by checking it regularly: less than 120/80 mm Hg is considered a good pressure level. Because obesity contributes to heart disease, try reducing red meat intake and opt for lean meats including fish or chicken and monitoring your portion sizes on carbohydrate-heavy foods, such as pasta and rice. Regular exercise strengthens the cardiovascular system and burns extra calories. Aim to spend 150 minutes (about two and a half hours) a week doing moderately intense physical activity or 75 minutes doing vigorous activity.

If you or someone you know has a heart condition, find a BJC cardiologist.

 

Health outcomes are significantly influenced by social factors such as employment, economic stability, home ownership, access to health care, and lifestyle habits including healthy eating and avoiding alcohol and smoking. Disparities in physical health can be directly connected to disparities in these social factors. Community resources may be available to help support these social needs. Contact your local United Way 211 for additional support: 211helps.org. 

Your health is important, and preventive care and early detection are critical. Many preventive health services, such as health screenings and diet counseling, may be covered by your insurance provider at no cost to you. Contact your insurance provider for more details.

 

If you need support with finding a provider, find a BJC doctor.