Gallbladder cancer rates are increasing at an alarming pace in the Black community in the United States, according to a new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. The report, led by Dr. Anita Johnson from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), analyzed data from 2010 to 2022 and found that the incidence of gallbladder cancer among Black Americans has risen by 25% over the past decade.
The study highlights significant disparities in gallbladder cancer rates between racial and ethnic groups. Black Americans are now twice as likely to develop gallbladder cancer compared to their white counterparts. Dr. Johnson emphasizes the need for increased awareness and targeted interventions to address this growing health concern in the Black community.
The report also reveals that Black Americans are often diagnosed at later stages of the disease, leading to poorer
outcomes and higher mortality rates. This disparity is attributed to various factors, including limited access to healthcare, lack of awareness about the disease, and underrepresentation in clinical trials.
Dr. Michael Thompson, a gastroenterologist at Emory University School of Medicine, stresses the importance of early detection and regular check-ups, particularly for those at higher risk. The CDC is working closely with healthcare providers and community organizations to develop targeted screening programs and educational initiatives to combat this alarming trend in the Black community.
See “Gallbladder Cancer Rates Are On The Rise In The Black Community, New Report Reveals” (May 22, 2024)
