International Union for Circumpolar Health Ministry of Public Health and Social Development of RF Russian Academy of Medical Sciences Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Medical Sciences Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences Medical Polar Fund “Science” The Northern Forum

Abstracts

Ethnic peculiarities of the North native inhabitants health

Background: Prior to the mid-1900’s, cancer was considered a rare disease among Alaska Native people. The Alaska Native Tumor Registry has recorded complete cancer incidence data back to year 1969. More recently, this registry has become a participant in the National Cancer Institute’s Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results Program, which tracks cancer incidence nationwide.

Purpose: To identify the level of cancer disparities between Alaska Native people and other US populations.

Methods: We reviewed cancer data for the 35-year period, 1969-2003 and compared age-adjusted incidence and mortality rates to other US population rates. Statistical comparisons were performed using an odds ratio and associated confidence intervals.

Results: Cancer is now the leading cause of death among Alaska Native people. Mortality rates are 30% higher than US Whites, and incidence rates for all cancers are somewhat higher among Alaska Native women, but slightly lower among Alaska Native men. Dramatic increases are documented for cancers of the lung, breast, and prostate. Only cancers of the gallbladder and cervix have declined since the initiation of the registry. The pattern for site specific cancers is unique: Alaska Native rates exceed US Whites for cancer of the nasopharynx, digestive tract, and kidney, but, despite increases, Alaska Native rates remain lower for melanoma, breast, uterus, lymphoma and leukemia. Of importance is that rates for childhood cancer ( Conclusion: Overall cancer mortality and certain cancer site incidence rates among Alaska Native people exceed those of US Whites and most other racial and ethnic minorities in the United States.

Note. Abstracts are published in author's edition

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Last update: 06-Jul-2012 (11:52:05)