Minority Women’s Health Issues

Posted: Oct. 1, 2004

Cardiovascular disease
Silence isn’t always golden. Heart disease, the silent killer, is the leading cause of death among all women, including African Americans, Hispanics, Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders, and Native Americans/Alaskan Natives.

In 1999, one-third of all African American women, and a quarter of Hispanic women died from heart disease. Each year, the numbers climb. Approximately 25% of Hispanic women die from this disease annually; however, African American women have the highest death rate from heart disease.

More than one-half of African American women are obese. Now more than ever, weight matters. Weight is a key opponent in the fight against heart disease, as are smoking, high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, physical inactivity, and family history.

The good news? Heart disease really is preventable. In fact, a few sensible tips can help get you on your way. Follow a heart healthy eating plan, regular physical activity, maintain normal blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and stop smoking.

It’s really that simple! Before you know it, you’re on the road to a healthier and happier lifestyle.

Diabetes
Did you know diabetes is the fourth leading cause of death among all African American, Hispanic, and Native American/Alaskan Native women? This disease occurs at a rate 2 to 4 times higher in minority populations.

Although diabetes can affect many parts of the body and lead to serious complications such as blindness, kidney damage and lower-limb amputation, it is unique to women because it can also affect the health of a mother and her unborn child. Consequently, this disease is a major contributor to pregnancy-related death among African American and Hispanic women.

In 2000, diabetes killed 7,250 African American women and 2,821 Hispanic women. Because diabetes poses a major threat to your cardiovascular system, heart disease is the leading cause of diabetes-related deaths.

Although a cure for diabetes does not yet exist, it is treatable and some forms of the disease are preventable. Simple steps such as weight loss, increased physical activity, glucose control, and blood pressure control are effective. Most importantly, make the decision to commit to a healthy lifestyle.

HIV/AIDS
HIV/AIDS is a rapidly growing public health problem among women, particularly women of color.

In 2000, 80% of new AIDS cases in women occurred among African American and Hispanic females. In 2002, African Americans accounted for 54% of all new diagnoses of HIV/AIDS. By 2003, the death rate from AIDS in African American women was the highest of any group of American women.

Additionally, Hispanic Americans are 3 times more likely to die from HIV/AIDS than are Caucasian women, and they continue to have the second highest mortality rate from AIDS.

What’s contributing to these soaring statistics? Too many women of color are diagnosed late in the course of their infection, too late to fully benefit from life-prolonging treatment. Testing is an essential first step in linking women of color to treatment, care, and ongoing prevention services.

Cancers
Cancer is best described as uncontrolled cell growth in the body. This ravaging disease can occur anywhere, and affect any number of organs.

African American women die from lung cancer more than any other minority group; and although only 7% of Hispanic women have lung cancer, 13% actually die from the disease.

Among American Indians/Alaskan Natives, death from breast cancer is second only to lung cancer. Of all minority groups, African Americans are most likely to die from breast cancer.

Although fewer Hispanic women are diagnosed with breast cancer, one study found Hispanic women tend to be diagnosed in the later stages of breast cancer. Consequently, they are more likely to die from this disease.

When all cancers are combined, cancer is the leading cause of death in all Asian American/Pacific Island women.

So what can you do to help prevent and treat cancer? Get the most of your doctor visit. Adopt an early detection mantra — mammography, Pap tests, and colorectal screenings. As with most health conditions, diagnosis is key.

Schedule regular visits and screenings with your healthcare provider, and perform regular breast self-exams (BSEs). Small problems, when left undetected, grow larger.

Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Office on Women's Health

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