In a post-pandemic world, it is easy to blame microbes for the worst illnesses that affect millions of people simultaneously. Undoubtedly, the risk of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and more potent viruses is legitimate. However, community health also depends on other factors, like access to healthcare services, ethnicity, and cultural practices.
The WHO explains that people of African descent and other ethnic minorities may routinely face racial discrimination. These behaviors can make them more vulnerable to health risks and also affect their access to treatment. Similarly, the prevalence of alternative healing in certain cultures may limit whether people seek pharmacological care.
At the same time, some ethnicities may be genetically predisposed to developing specific health conditions. Understanding one’s genetic makeup and being proactive in handling established risks can improve health outcomes.
Black People May Have a Higher Cancer Risk
The ominous C-word may affect Black and African American people with more frequency and higher ferocity than others. The CDC finds that Black people have the highest overall death rate for cancer and a lower chance of surviving for five years after a diagnosis. Cancers of the breast, lung, and colon or rectum seem to be the most common in this group.
The reasons behind these statistics are not definite. However, some risks, like smoking and not maintaining a healthy weight, are preventable. Unfortunately, some surveys indicate that obesity and smoking are prevalent among many non-Hispanic Black adults.
We must note that many risk factors for cancer don’t relate to ethnicity or genes. The medical community is now more aware of threats from lifestyle choices like excessive sun exposure or contraception through problematic injections like the Depo Provera, manufactured by Pfizer. The Depo shot lawsuit notes that many women developed an inflated risk of brain cancer after the injection.
According to TorHoerman Law, it is best to maintain medical records, prescriptions, and any physical correspondence to hold manufacturers accountable and seek compensation.
This step is valuable to ascertain that your actions and choices had professional backing. For example, if a practitioner fails to assess your elevated cancer risk due to your ethnicity and family history, it indicates a considerable oversight in judgment.
South Asian People May Be More Prone to Type-2 Diabetes
The occurrence of Type-2 diabetes is increasing globally. The Lancet recently reported that around 828 million adults live with the condition, a significant increase from previous decades. Many studies indicate that South Asian communities have a higher likelihood of suffering from Type-2 diabetes. The risk is primarily high in India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.
It seems likely that genetics play a part in these statistics. Besides, diet and body mass also contribute to an early onset of Type-2 diabetes. Consuming processed meats regularly can increase one’s risk of the condition. A lack of daily exercise can also be a factor.
Considering these risks, people of South Asian heritage may opt to start monitoring this condition early. They can then take adequate steps, such as making lifestyle and dietary changes. It is particularly critical for people with a family history of Type-2 diabetes since it indicates a possibility of genetic influence.
Cardiovascular Risk and Ethnicity Have a Complex Connection
Typically, BMI (body mass index) and exercise levels have been known to impact heart disease risk. However, ongoing research indicates that ethnicity may also affect one’s risk of developing cardiovascular conditions.
A Frontiers study found that race and ethnicity can have proximal effects on one’s probability of developing heart disease. For example, Black Americans may face more severe cardiovascular events even though their coronary calcium buildup may be less. The study recommends including these factors alongside conventional ones, such as physical activity.
Possibly, mental health factors are also at play. Black adults are more likely to have experienced discrimination and low social support. In some cases, these circumstances may lead to increased alcohol consumption or poor attention to exercise and staying physically active. Accordingly, and as evidenced by many previous studies, cardiovascular risk may increase.
Genetic Conditions Are Partial to Some Ethnicities
Finally, medical research also indicates that people from certain ethnicities may have a pronounced risk of some genetically transmitted conditions, like sickle cell anemia and cystic fibrosis. Understanding these risks can facilitate early intervention and disease management to improve one’s quality of life.
For example, the American Society of Hematology notes that sickle cell disease is more likely among African Americans, Hispanic Americans, and people of Asian or Middle Eastern descent. This illness causes the production of abnormal hemoglobin, leading to anemia and stunted growth.
Likewise, cystic fibrosis, another genetically transmitted condition, is more common among those of European heritage. Verywell Health notes that those from an Amish community in Ohio seem to have a higher incidence of the condition. It can affect lung functioning, causing difficulties in breathing and gastrointestinal problems.
Many genetically transmitted health conditions have limited treatment plans. However, knowing your risks and assessing them can improve the prognosis. Sickle cell anemia may require you to guard against infections and consider stem cell transplants. Patients of cystic fibrosis can also manage it to an extent through medication that relieves symptoms such as constipation and lung infection.
As we noted, ethnicity can be a pivotal factor in increasing your susceptibility to developing a specific health condition. But being aware of your health risks is an excellent first step in managing, if not preventing, them. Awareness prepares you for adverse possibilities and prompts further action.
For example, Asian people with a family history of diabetes should consider an HbA1C blood test to monitor their blood glucose levels. It can alert them to the possibility of developing diabetes so that they can make the required lifestyle and diet adjustments.
It is also important to remember that ethnicity often operates with several other factors in increasing health risk. These could be gender, environmental factors such as exposure to heavy metals, and workplace hazards.
Contemporary medical care is working toward developing a balanced, comprehensive view of these factors in determining an individual’s prognosis. People now have access to various preventative and management therapies, from genetic testing to building mental resilience at different life stages. It signals better health outcomes for future generations.
