Addressing the Cancer Burden Among Arab American and AANHPI Communities

Addressing the cancer burden among Arab American and AANHPI communities

By IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center
May 9, 2025

Cancer continues to be a leading cause of death in the United States, but not all communities experience the disease equally. In May, we spotlight the unique challenges faced by Arab Americans, which includes Middle Eastern and North African (MENA), and Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander (AANHPI) populations. Despite growing numbers, both groups need more representation in cancer research and face similar barriers in cancer care.

Shared challenges in cancer care

Arab American and Asian American communities encounter many overlapping barriers in their cancer journeys:

• Data misclassification: Arab Americans are often categorized as "White" in health data, while AANHPII populations are frequently lumped into one broad group. This hides subgroup-specific cancer trends (Alotaibi et al, 2024).
• Language and cultural barriers: Both groups may struggle with limited English proficiency and culturally inappropriate healthcare experiences (Attum et al, 2023; Swihart et al, 2023).
• Stigma and misinformation: Cultural beliefs around cancer can lead to fatalism, fear, or shame, which delay screening and treatment (Attum et al, 2023; Swihart et al, 2023).
• Access and trial participation: Many immigrants face underinsurance, poverty, and fear of engaging with the healthcare system. Both communities participate less in clinical trials and cancer studies (Schwartz et al 2004; Swihart et al, 2023).

Unique cancer trends

• Arab Americans: Some studies suggest elevated rates of liver, thyroid, and bladder cancers, with lower utilization of breast and cervical cancer screenings due to stigma and modesty (AACR, 2024; Schwartz et al, 2004).
• AANHPI communities: Liver, stomach, and nasopharyngeal cancers are more prevalent in certain subgroups. Vietnamese women face high cervical cancer rates. Disaggregated data reveal differences in cancer outcomes among Pacific Islanders, Hmong, and Southeast Asians (ACS, 2024; Lee, et al, 2021).

Strategies for researchers and clinicians

Cancer researchers and health professionals can actively work to reduce differences in cancer outcomes:

1. Improve data collection (Alotaibi et al, 2024)
   • Advocate for federal recognition of Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) populations.
   • Push for ethnic subgroup data collection within AANHPI communities.
2. Engage communities through community-based participatory research (Collins et al, 2018; Minkler et al, 2012)
   • Partner with local organizations and faith groups.
   • Involve community leaders in research design and outreach.
3. Create culturally tailored programs (Attum et al, 2023; Swihart et al, 2023)
   • Use native language materials.
   • Practice patient care with culture in mind, such as allowing for modesty.