Jump to content

Choose locationChoose Location
  • Sign in or Enroll
    • Open I want to choose my medical group or hospital
    • Clear my location
Change Location

We've expanded your view

You are now viewing all services in the Sutter Health network. You can change your location above to narrow your view to a medical group, hospital, city or zip.
Sutter Health
  • Video Visits
  • Find Doctors
  • Find Locations
  • Treatments & Services
  • Locations
  • Sign in or Enroll
    • Video Visits
    • Find Doctors
    • Find Locations
    • Treatments & Services
    • COVID-19 Resources
    • Pay a Bill
    • Symptom Checker
    • Get Care Today
    • Diseases & Conditions
    • Health & Wellness
    • Classes & Events
    • Research & Clinical Trials
    • For Patients
    • About Sutter Health
    • Giving
    • Volunteering
    • Careers
    • News
    • For Medical Professionals
    • Other Business Services
Close Search
  • Home
  • Health and Wellness
  • South Asian Health
  • Risks
  • Cancer
Content

Cancer and South Asians

Unfortunately, a typical South Asian lifestyle includes many of the foods and lifestyle habits associated with increased cancer risk. The World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) and the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) have published 10 steps to lowering cancer risk. If you are a cancer survivor, you should also follow these recommendations. In addition to the 10 steps below, if you are using tobacco, be sure to quit as soon as possible.

Immigrant Versus Native South Asians

The above-mentioned study also found that cancer rates for all cancers except cervical, head and neck cancer were actually higher in South Asians living in California than those living in their native countries. In addition, this study revealed that native South Asians had a different pattern of cancers than South Asians living in California. For instance, prostate, colon and lung cancer are the most common cancers for South Asian men in California. In contrast, head, neck and stomach cancer are the most common cancers for South Asian men living in India. Breast, colon, uterine, ovarian and cervical cancer are the most common cancers for South Asian women in California, while cervical, breast, ovarian, head and neck cancers are the most common cancers for South Asian women living in India.

The higher overall incidence of cancer in immigrant South Asians may be due to differences in screening patterns, environmental influences (such as tobacco use and exercise) and dietary changes, which for many reflects a transition from a relatively low-fat, high-fiber diet with natural ingredients to one containing more saturated fat, animal protein, less fiber and more processed foods containing artificial ingredients.

Routine Cancer Screening

Many South Asians neglect to regularly see their physicians for routine cancer screening exams. Fears about blood tests and routine procedures, communication barriers and an attitude of not needing to see a doctor unless symptoms arise are just a few of the factors contributing to under screening. In addition, young South Asian females often hesitate to schedule regular pap smears due to its implication of sexual activity, while older South Asian females frequently neglect routine cancer screening because they are concerned about taking care of all of the other family members.

Oral, Throat and Esophageal Cancers

Oral, throat and esophageal cancer are more common in native South Asians due to high rates of tobacco use, which includes smoking bidis (unfiltered tobacco leaves), chewing paan (tobacco rolled up in betel nut leaves) and sucking/chewing areca (a South Asian nut). Symptoms of oral and throat cancer include the following:

  • A sore in the mouth that easily bleeds and does not heal within two weeks
  • Lumps or white, red or dark patches inside the mouth
  • Thickening of the cheek
  • Difficulty chewing, swallowing or moving the tongue or jaw
  • Persistently sore throat or feeling of something being caught in the throat
  • Persistent hoarseness or other voice changes

Esophageal cancer is also associated with tobacco use in addition to alcohol use and long-term acid reflux. Symptoms include the following:

  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Unexpected weight loss
  • Pain during swallowing
  • Persistent chest pain
  • Vomiting
  • Coughing up blood

If you or someone you know experiences any of the above symptoms, speak with your healthcare provider. 

Lowering Cancer Risk through Lifestyle Changes

Unfortunately, a typical South Asian lifestyle includes many of the foods and lifestyle habits associated with increased cancer risk. The World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) and the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) have published 10 steps to lowering cancer risk. If you are a cancer survivor, you should also follow these recommendations. In addition to the 10 steps, if you are using tobacco, be sure to quit as soon as possible.

Last Reviewed: 2012

Related Articles

  • Acid Reflux
  • Indian Myths Explored
  • Normal Bowel Function
  • Smoking
  • Eating Out and Social Events
  • Fiber

More Resources

View Sutter's Drug Guide

Drug Guide

Look up prescription and over-the-counter drug information.

View Sutter's full medical library

Medical Library

Look up helpful health information.

View Sutter's full library of disease and conditions

Diseases and Conditions

See our full library of diseases and conditions.

View information for Sutter Health Patients

Patient Information

Practical info for Sutter patients.

Tools and Quizzes

Tools and Quizzes

Online tools to help you make decisions about your health.

The Sutter Health Network of Care
Expertise to fit your needs
Primary Care

Check-ups, screenings and sick visits for adults and children.

Specialty Care

Expertise and advanced technologies in all areas of medicine.

Emergency Care

For serious accidents, injuries and conditions that require immediate medical care.

Urgent Care

After-hours, weekend and holiday services.

Walk-In Care

Convenient walk-in care clinics for your non-urgent health needs.

About Sutter

  • About Our Network
  • Annual Report
  • Awards
  • Community Benefit
  • Contact Us
  • News
  • Giving
  • Find Care

  • Birth Centers
  • Care Centers
  • Emergency Rooms
  • Hospitals
  • Imaging
  • Labs
  • Surgery Centers
  • Urgent Care
  • Walk-In Care
  • View All >
  • Featured Services

  • Behavioral Health
  • Cancer Services
  • Family Medicine
  • Home Health and Hospice
  • Orthopedics
  • Pediatrics
  • Pregnancy
  • Primary Care
  • Women's Health
  • View All >
  • Patient Resources

  • Accepted Health Plans
  • Classes and Events
  • Estimate Costs
  • Flu Resources
  • Health and Wellness
  • Medical Records
  • Medicare
  • My Health Online
  • Pay a Bill
  • Symptom Checker
  • Our Team

  • For Employees
  • Physician Careers
  • Recruiting Events
  • Sutter Careers
  • Vendors
  • Volunteers
    • ADA Accessibility
    • Contact
    • Privacy
    • Do Not Sell My Personal Information

    • LinkedIn Opens new window
    • YouTube Opens new window
    • Facebook Opens new window
    • Twitter Opens new window
    • Glassdoor Opens new window
    • Instagram Opens new window

    Copyright © 2021 Sutter Health. All rights reserved. Sutter Health is a registered trademark of Sutter Health ®, Reg. U.S. Patent & Trademark office.

    Cookie Policy

    We use cookies to give you the best possible user experience. By continuing to use the site, you agree to the use of cookies. Privacy Policy Cookie Preferences

    Privacy Policy Cookie Preferences