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Health conditions common in
Asian-American women:

Breast cancer Cancer Cervical cancer Diabetes Heart disease Hepatitis B High blood pressure High cholesterol HIV/AIDS Liver cancer Lupus Mental health problems and suicide Osteoporosis Overweight and obesity Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) Stomach cancer Tuberculosis (TB) Violence

Cancer

• More information on cancer

Cancer is a disease in which abnormal cells grow, divide, and spread. In most cancers, these abnormal cells form a mass called a tumor. (Not all tumors are cancer.) Cancers found in the blood or immune system do not form tumors. Most cancers are named for where they start. For example, lung cancer starts in the lung, and breast cancer starts in the breast. But cancers can spread. They can invade nearby tissues and organs. Or, they can break away and spread to other parts of the body. Symptoms and treatment depend on the cancer type and how advanced it is.

Overall, cancer rates for Asian-Americans are lower than other groups. Yet, cancer is the leading cause of death in Asian-American women. The most common cancers found in Asian-American women include breast cancer, colorectal cancer, and lung cancer. Asian-Americans also have higher rates of some cancers that are caused mainly by infections. This includes stomach cancer and liver cancer. Among U.S. women, Laotian-, Samoan-, and Vietnamese-American women have the highest rates of cervical cancer, which also is caused by infection.

A number of factors can affect a woman's cancer risk. Some factors, such as getting older and family history, cannot be controlled. Yet, you can lower your risk of some cancers by changing some aspects of your life:

• Don't smoke. If you smoke, try to quit. For help along the way, check out our Quitting Smoking section.
• Keep a healthy weight.
• Eat healthy foods. Eat lots of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
• Make physical activity a habit. Health benefits are gained by doing the following each week:
  • 2 hours and 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity
    or
    
  • 1 hour and 15 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity
    or
    
  • A combination of moderate and vigorous aerobic activity
    and
    
  • Muscle-strengthening activities on two or more days of the week
• Limit alcohol to no more than one drink per day.

Women also can protect themselves from cancer by getting regular checkups and screenings. Screening tests can help find cancers such as breast cancer, cervical cancer, and colorectal cancer. This way, if cancer develops, it is likely to be found early. Treatment often works best when cancer is found early. A vaccine can protect women from infections that can cause cervical cancer.

Asian-American women are less likely to get regular cancer screenings than women in other groups. Not having health insurance, a regular doctor, or ability to pay are some reasons why Asian-Americans have lower screening rates. Some people don't understand the causes or risk factors for cancer or the benefits of screening.

We don't always know why one person develops cancer and another does not. Yet with a healthy lifestyle and routine screening, you will feel good knowing you are doing what you can to lower your cancer risk.

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More information on cancer

Explore other publications and websites

• Asian Language Materials (Copyright © American Cancer Society) — This Internet lists the American Cancer Society materials available in several Asian languages, including Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese.
  http://www.cancer.org/AsianLanguageMaterials/index
• Cancer and Asians/Pacific Islanders — This fact sheet gives statistics on the prevalence and mortality for various cancers. It provides a comparison between different racial backgrounds.
  http://minorityhealth.hhs.gov/templates/content.aspx?ID=3055
• Colorectal Cancer Screening — This publication gives information on colorectal cancer and its risk factors. It also describes the tests commonly used to screen for colorectal cancer and the benefits and risks of screening.
  http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/screening/colorectal/Patient/page3
• Financial Assistance and Other Resources for People With Cancer — This Internet site provides links to financial information, legal information, and insurance information for people who have cancer.
  http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/coping/financial-legal
• Inside Knowledge Campaign: Get the Facts About Gynecologic Cancer — This site is designed to spread awareness to women about the different types of gynecological cancers. With early detection, treatments for gynecological cancers are very effective.
  http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/knowledge/
• Reducing Health Disparities in Cancer — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has created a number of strategies to help decrease the amount of inequalities seen among minorities. This brief fact sheet describes these efforts.
  http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/healthdisparities/basic_info/disparities.htm
• Strength as a Survivor: Living After Cancer Treatment (Copyright © Lance Armstrong Foundation) — This brochure was written for Asian-American cancer survivors. It discusses the many physical, practical, and emotional concerns of cancer survivors. The brochure encourages survivors to seek support and lists organizations that can help them manage their concerns.
  http://www.livestrong.org/atf/cf/%7BFB6FFD43-0E4C-4414-8B37-0D001EFBDC49%7D/brochure_asa.pdf
• What You Need to Know About Cancer — An Overview — This publication describes some of the warning signs of cancer and stresses the importance of early detection. It also explains how this disease is diagnosed and treated and has information to help people deal with cancer if it affects them or people they know.
  http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/wyntk/cancer

Connect with other organizations

• American Cancer Society
  http://www.cancer.org/docroot/home/index.asp
• Asian American Network for Cancer Awareness, Research, and Training
  http://www.aancart.org/
• Foundation for Women's Cancer
  http://www.foundationforwomenscancer.org/
• Intercultural Cancer Council
  http://iccnetwork.org
• National Asian Women's Health Organization
  http://www.nawho.org/site/c.ipILKTOCJsG/b.4089873/k.7F6D/NAWHO_Home_page.htm
• Ovarian Cancer National Alliance
  http://www.ovariancancer.org/

Content last updated May 18, 2010.

Resources last updated May 18, 2010.

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