Final answer:
African Americans have the highest lung cancer incidence and mortality rates among ethnic groups in the U.S., owing to factors including genetics, cultural habits, and healthcare disparities. Lung cancer is particularly deadly despite being less common than other cancers due to its strong association with smoking.
Step-by-step explanation:
Lung Cancer Incidence and Mortality Rates by Ethnicity
African Americans have the highest lung cancer incidence and mortality rates compared to other ethnic groups in the United States. This is supported by various reports including those from the Henry J. Kaiser Foundation and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The high incidence and mortality rates can be attributed to a combination of factors including genetic predisposition, cultural behaviors, and disparities in access to healthcare services.
Lung cancer is not just a matter of public health concern based on ethnicity alone, but also because of its lethal nature. While skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed, lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths, largely due to the strong correlation with tobacco smoking, which is a significant behavioral risk factor. Other factors that could contribute to the higher rates in African Americans may include economic and environmental influences, as well as healthcare accessibility issues.