Health Conditions

Cancer

Cancer is a group of diseases in which cells in a part of the body begin to grown out of control. African Americans have the highest mortality rate of any racial and ethnic group for all cancers combined and for most major cancers.

For more information, visit:

Cancer - American Cancer Society
Breast Cancer - Susan G. Komen for the Cure or National Cancer Institute | Breast Cancer
Colorectal Cancer - National Cancer Institute | Colon and Rectal Cancer
Prostate Cancer - National Cancer Institute | Prostate Cancer

Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic disease in which a person has high blood sugar, either because the body does not produce sufficient insulin (Type 1), or because the body fails to use insulin properly (Type 2). Type 2 diabetes is the most common. African American adults are twice as likely as whites to be diagnosed with diabetes or die from diabetes.

For more information, visit: National Diabetes Education Program or American Diabetes Association.

Heart Disease

Heart disease is a variety of diseases that impairs the normal functioning of the heart. It is the leading cause of the death in the United States. 

For more information, visit: American Heart Association.

Hypertension

Hypertension is a common health condition in which a person has a blood pressure greater than 140/90 mmHg. African Americans are at greater risk for developing hypertension.

For more information, visit: National Heart Lung and Blood Institute or American Heart Association.

Obesity

Obesity is a health condition in which excess body fat has accumulated and may have an adverse effect on health, leading to increased risk of illness, morbidity or mortality. For adults, overweight and obesity ranges are determined by using height to weight ratios to calculate body mass index (BMI). An adult who has a BMI 30 or higher is considered obese.  Do you know your BMI?

For more information, visit: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention | Overweight and Obesity or Obesity in America.

Stroke

Stroke is a disease that affects the arteries leading to and within the brain. A stroke is caused by a clot blocking the flow of blood to the brain or a blood vessel rupturing and preventing blood flow to the brain. Stroke is the No.3 cause of death, and the leading cause of disability in the United States. Stroke death rates are higher for African Americans than whites.

For more information, visit: American Stroke Association.