Week 5 Discussion: NSG 4410 Course

Sample Answer

Lee, R. J., Madan, R. A., Kim, J., Posadas, E. M., & Yu, E. Y. (2021). Disparities in Cancer Care and the Asian American Population. The Oncologist, 26(6), 453–460. https //doi.org/10.1002/onco.13748

The article describes the incidence of various cancers amongst the Asian American community. Despite numerous challenges that face the community, including language and cultural barriers, death due to cancer is the most significant cause of mortality in the population.

In contrast, coronary artery disease is the major cause of morbidity and mortality in the rest of the American population compared to cancer in the Asian population. The higher incidence of cancer has been attributed to the higher risk of environmental exposure and lower screening rates among the population.

Cervical, lung, liver, colorectal, and breast cancers contribute to the highest cancer burden among the population. Infectious agents including Helicobacter pylori, Hepatitis B, Human Papilloma Virus, and Epstein Barr Virus have been associated as causative agents to several cancers, including stomach, nasopharyngeal, cervical, and liver cancers commonly seen in the Asian American population.

On the other hand, the population is at higher risk of heavy tobacco smoking and genetic mutations that both contribute to higher incidence of lung cancers .In addition, the rise in dietary changes and sedentary lifestyles have contributed to the increase in colorectal cancers, while vaccination and cancer screening have caused a reduction in stomach, liver, and gall bladder cancers.

The article also emphasizes cancer screening as being the most significant barrier to early diagnosis of malignancies. Several factors contributing to this challenge include inadequate medical education, cultural beliefs, the impact of screening methods, poor access to healthcare facilities, and lack of insurance coverage.

Reference

• Lee, R. J., Madan, R. A., Kim, J., Posadas, E. M., & Yu, E. Y. (2021). Disparities in Cancer Care and the Asian American Population. The Oncologist, 26(6), 453–460. https //doi.org/10.1002/onco.13748