This page provides data points and curated searches from OMH’s Knowledge Center library catalog related to cancer within minority and tribal populations in the United States and its territories. The number of catalog records for each topic reflect the search results at the time of this page’s latest update.
Cancer is a disease where some cells in the body grow out of control and can spread to other parts of the body. Cancer can start almost anywhere because the body is made up of trillions of cells. Normally, cells grow, divide, and die in an orderly way. When old or damaged cells die, new cells replace them. Sometimes this process does not work properly, and abnormal or damaged cells keep growing when they should not. These cells may form tumors, which are lumps of tissue. Some tumors can be cancerous and can spread to or invade nearby tissues. Many cancers form solid tumors, but blood cancers, like leukemia, usually do not.
You can lower your risk of developing many common cancers by making healthy lifestyle choices. Screening tests can find some cancers early, when they are easier to treat. Vaccines can also help prevent certain types of cancer.
American Indian/Alaska Native
In 2023, American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) adults ages 45-75 were 20% less likely than U.S. adults of the same age to receive recommended colorectal cancer screening. In 2022, AI/AN men were 46% more likely than men nationwide to be diagnosed with kidney cancer. In 2022, AI/AN women were about two and a half times more likely than women nationwide to be diagnosed with liver and bile duct cancer. From 2019 to 2023, AI/AN men were 94% more likely, and AI/AN women were 90% more likely, to die from stomach cancer than the U.S. population overall.
For additional data on cancer and American Indians/Alaska Natives, please visit our Population Profiles.
Asian American
In 2022, Asian/Pacific Islander men were 28% more likely than men nationwide to be diagnosed with stomach cancer. In 2022, Asian/Pacific Islander women were 19% more likely than women nationwide to be diagnosed with liver and bile duct cancer. From 2019 to 2023, Asian/Pacific Islander men were 49% more likely, and women were 65% more likely, to die from stomach cancer than the U.S. population overall. In 2019, Asian American women ages 40 and older were 20% less likely than U.S. women of the same age to have had a mammogram in the past two years.
For additional data on cancer and Asian Americans, please visit our Population Profiles.
Black/African American
In 2022, Black/African American men were 65% more likely than men nationwide to be diagnosed with prostate cancer. In 2022, Black/African American women were 54% more likely than women nationwide to be diagnosed with stomach cancer. From 2019 to 2023, Black/African American men were 92% more likely to die from prostate cancer, and Black/African American women were 85% more likely to die from uterine cancer, compared with the U.S. population overall. In 2019, Black/African American women ages 40 and older were 7% more likely than U.S. women of the same age to have had a mammogram in the past two years.
For additional data on cancer and Black or African Americans, please visit our Population Profiles.
Hispanic/Latino
In 2023, Hispanic/Latino adults ages 45–75 were 15% less likely than U.S. adults of the same age to receive recommended colorectal cancer screening. In 2022, Hispanic/Latino men were 51% more likely, and Hispanic/Latino women were 72% more likely, than the U.S. population overall to be diagnosed with liver and bile duct cancer. From 2019 to 2023, Hispanic/Latino men were 54% more likely, and women were 85% more likely, to die from stomach cancer than the U.S. population overall.
For additional data on cancer and Hispanic Americans, please visit our Population Profiles.
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander
In 2022, Asian/Pacific Islander men were 28% more likely than men nationwide to be diagnosed with stomach cancer. In 2022, Asian/Pacific Islander women were 19% more likely than women nationwide to be diagnosed with liver and bile duct cancer. From 2019 to 2023, Asian/Pacific Islander men were 49% more likely, and women were 65% more likely, to die from stomach cancer compared with the U.S. population overall.
For additional data on cancer and Native Hawaiians/Pacific Islanders, please visit our Population Profiles.
Date Last Reviewed: February 2026