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If you're African-American, you have a higher chance of getting lung cancer than white Americans. Researchers think that this is because more African-Americans smoke, although there may also be a difference in the way their bodies deal with tobacco smoke. Researchers also think that African-Americans may, on average, have more fat in their diet. This could have an effect on the risk of getting lung cancer.¹ If you're African-American or native Hawaiian and smoke less than 30 cigarettes a day, you are more likely to get lung cancer than other groups of Americans who also smoke the same amount.²

People who are Native American, Hispanic, Asian-American or Japanese-American all have less lung cancer than average in the United States. These groups tend to smoke less, and the lower levels of lung cancer may also be linked to differences in diet and their genes (the inherited material in cells that controls how cells behave and grow). These tables show how common cancer is in different ethnic groups in the United States.³

This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment. ©BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2008. All rights reserved.