Variability in Cancer Risk and Outcomes Within US Latinos by National Origin and Genetic Ancestry

Abstract

Latinos have lower rates for most common cancer sites and higher rates of some less common cancers (gallbladder, liver, gastric, and cervical) than other ethnic/racial groups. Latinos are a highly heterogeneous population with diverse national origins, unique genetic admixture patterns, and wide spectrum of socio-demographic characteristics. Across the major cancers (breast, colorectal, prostate, lung, and liver) US-born Latinos have higher incidence and worse survival than foreign-born, and those with low-socioeconomic status have the lowest incidence. Puerto Rican and Cuban Latinos have higher incidence rates than Mexican Latinos. We have identified the following themes as understudied and critical to reduce the cancer burden among US Latinos: (1) etiological studies considering key sources of heterogeneity, (2) culturally sensitive cancer prevention strategies, (3) description of the molecular tumor landscape to guide treatments and improve outcomes, and (4) development of prediction models of disease risk and outcomes accounting for heterogeneity of Latinos.

Racial/ethnicity disparities in invasive breast cancer among younger and older women: An analysis using multiple measures of population health

“…This finding is consistent with previous reports (40,42,60). However, there is a lot of variation within Hispanic subgroups and additional work is needed [57]. …”

Cancer Statistics for Hispanics/Latinos, 2018

“…42 Both younger age at first birth and higher parity are associated with lower breast cancer risk and are more common in Hispanic women, particularly among those who are foreign-born. 43 For example, breast cancer mortality rates in foreign-born Mexican women living in California were 28% lower than those in their US-born counterparts (12.9 per 100,000 population vs 18.0 per 100,000 population, respectively, during 2008-2012). 29 Similarly, an analysis of Florida vital statistics data indicated that, compared with other Hispanic subgroups, Puerto Rican and Cuban women had the highest breast cancer mortality rates, approaching those of NHW women, consistent with the lower parity in these groups.…”

“…Both incidence and death rates are approximately 30% lower in Hispanics than in NHWs (Table ), largely because of differences in detection practice (incidence only) and reproductive patterns and other hormonal factors that influence breast cancer risk . Both younger age at first birth and higher parity are associated with lower breast cancer risk and are more common in Hispanic women, particularly among those who are foreign‐born . For example, breast cancer mortality rates in foreign‐born Mexican women living in California were 28% lower than those in their US‐born counterparts (12.9 per 100,000 population vs 18.0 per 100,000 population, respectively, during 2008‐2012) .…”

“…Leukemia incidence in Hispanics is 31% lower than in NHWs among adults (those aged 20 years), but about 20% higher in children (those aged birth‐14 years) for both acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML), the 2 major pediatric subtypes . Reasons for the higher rates in Hispanic children are not understood, but may result from variation in collective genetic and environmental exposures . Hispanic children also have inferior leukemia survival, which appears to stem from a higher likelihood of relapse, perhaps because of differences in drug efficacy that might be overcome with a more individualized chemotherapy regimen .…”

Genetics, Tumor Features and Treatment Response of Breast Cancer in Latinas

“…Women living in Florida state with Puerto-Rican and Cuban background have higher rates of BC than with Mexican and from other Latin American countries' background. It has been reported higher risk of BC among in-born US Latinas, longer time of US residency, residence in higher socioeconomic area and non-Hispanic neighborhood [9]. Latinas living in the USA are associated with shorter survival.…”