Bladder Cancer in Native Americans and Alaskan Natives
Received 22 August 2007; accepted 21 December 2007. published online 02 April 2008.
Objectives
The prevalence of bladder cancer among Native Americans/Alaskan Natives (NAs/ANs) is generally considered to be low. However, the relative morbidity and mortality seem high. We have undertaken this survey of the published data to explore and document this observation.
Methods
An extensive survey of the published data was undertaken. The Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results data in particular were assessed.
Results
The incidence of bladder cancer among the NA/AN peoples is inexplicably low. This low incidence is more remarkable, given the widespread use of tobacco products and the disproportionately high incidence of kidney cancer in this same population. Despite this low incidence, NA/AN men and women seem to be at a relatively greater risk of dying of bladder cancer, once it has been diagnosed.
Conclusions
More and larger studies are needed to clarify and update the incidence, cell type, and clinical outcomes of bladder cancer among NA/AN men and women. Social, economic, and political barriers to treatment also need to be addressed. Effective steps need to be undertaken to ensure more timely diagnosis and treatment of this disease.
aDepartment of Surgery, Division of Urology, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, Hackensack, New Jersey
bDepartment of Urology, Hackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack, New Jersey
Reprint requests: Richard A. Watson, M.D., Department of Surgery, Division of Urology, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, and Division of Ambulatory Urology, Department of Urology, Hackensack University Medical Center, Sanzari Building, Suite 403, 360 Essex Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601.
ABSTRACT