Cancer Mortality in African and Caribbean Migrants to England and Wales
Author Information
Author(s): A.E. Grulich, A.J. Swerdlow, J. Head, M.G. Marmot
Primary Institution: London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
Hypothesis
What are the cancer mortality rates among African and Caribbean migrants in England and Wales compared to the native population?
Conclusion
West African males have significantly higher cancer mortality rates, particularly for liver cancer, while Caribbean immigrants show lower overall cancer rates.
Supporting Evidence
- West African males had a relative risk of 1.38 for overall cancer mortality compared to England and Wales natives.
- Caribbean immigrants showed significantly low cancer rates with a relative risk of 0.71 for males and 0.76 for females.
- Liver cancer mortality was particularly high in West African males with a relative risk of 31.6.
Takeaway
This study looked at how many people from Africa and the Caribbean get cancer after moving to England and Wales. It found that some groups get more cancer than others.
Methodology
The study analyzed cancer death data from 1970-1985 for immigrants from East and West Africa and the Caribbean, comparing it to the England and Wales-born population.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to underreporting of cancer cases in African registries and selection of healthier migrants.
Limitations
Data on social class and cancer deaths were limited, affecting the analysis of certain cancer types.
Participant Demographics
The study included male and female immigrants from West Africa, East Africa, and the Caribbean, with varying social class distributions.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
95% CI
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
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