Oral cancer incidence disparity among ethnic groups on Guam.
Although the prevalence of betel nut use among Chamorro residents of Guam is higher than that of other Micronesians residing on the island, the "other Micronesian" ethnic groups have a mouth cancer incidence rate more than double that of Chamorros. The reason for this apparent disparity in rates of mouth cancer incidence may be clarified by future studies focused on the frequency and method of betel nut use among these populations. Another possible explanation for this apparent disparity in cancer incidence rates could be that of migration to Guam for medical treatment.
Haddock
Robert L
RL
Office of Epidemiology and Research, Guam Department of Public Health and Social Services, P.O. Box 2816, Hagatna, Guam 96932, USA. robhad@yahoo.com
D001114:Areca / Q000009:adverse effects; D016021:Epidemiologic Studies; D006141:Guam / Q000453:epidemiology; D054624:Health Status Disparities; D006801:Humans; D009062:Mouth Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000208:ethnology*