Stats show higher cancer risk for minorities

April 3, 2009 For example, African-Americans are more likely than all other groups to die from all cancers combined.

And Hispanics are most likely to develop cancers related to viral infection, such as cervical cancer.

Possible causes include lack of inadequate insurance coverage, barriers to early detection and cultural barriers. But researchers say minority groups are less likely than the general population to participate in studies and that it is critical to increase participation rates.

Minorities make up about one-third of the U.S. population and are expected to become the majority in 2042.