Esophageal cancer mortality among black Americans: a southern-born legacy of increased risk

The authors hypothesized that Southern-born black Americans would exhibit high mortality rates from esophageal cancer regardless of where they lived at the time of death. The expected was observed beginning in the 35-44 year old age group. In fact, the ratio of Southern-born to other-born age-specific death rates was highest in the youngest age groups and tended to decline with age. Age-adjusted rates were higher in five of six gender/regional comparisons, as well. The highest death rates from esophageal cancer were noted among Southern-born migrants to the Northeast and North Central regions. Implications of these findings for research and trends in esophageal cancer among Black Americans are discussed. -Authors