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Likely causes of high cancer mortality rates among Maori, Pacific Islanders and native Hawaiians compared with Europeans have been detailed in a study.
Researcher Gabi Dachs said a team from Otago University in Christchurch reviewed studies of cancer incidence and mortality, as well as cancer management and risk factors, in Polynesian island populations.
The study found the likelihood of getting cancer among Maori was similar to European New Zealanders, but the likelihood of dying from cancer was about 1.6 times higher in Maori men and 1.9 times higher in Maori women.
Dr Dachs said the incidence of specific cancers also differed according to race.
"Cervical and uterine cancer in women and stomach and testicular cancers in men are in the top five most common cancers in Maori, but not in non-Maori populations."
European New Zealanders were also likely to live longer once being diagnosed with cancer.
"One of the reasons for these disparities in mortality is that low socio-economic status is associated with higher cancer mortality and, generally, Maori and Pacific people have lower incomes than European New Zealanders," said Dr Dachs.
- NZPA
