Focus Areas
Cardiovascular Disease & Diabetes
South Asians (people from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Maldives and Sri Lanka) have a higher risk of heart and vascular disease than any other ethnic groups. There is a need for research in this area for effective ways to prevent and treat heart disease in South Asians, who may have different risk factors for heart disease than other ethnic groups do.
Mental Health
Asian Americans are three times less likely to seek mental health services than whites. In fact, only 8.6 percent of Asian-Americans seek mental health services or resources, compared to 18 percent of the general American population. Studies have shown that in Asian communities, several sources of stress greatly affect mental health, including cultural taboos around mental health concerns and the "model minority" myth.
Cancer
Cancer is the leading cause of death among Asians, who have the highest rate of liver and stomach cancers. Asians are three times more likely to develop liver cancer than non-Hispanic Whites, and twice as likely to develop stomach cancer. In the United States, Asian-Americans account for approximately half of chronic Hepatitis B cases, a precursor to liver disease and cancer.
Longevity
As life expectancy for people around the world continues to lengthen, we need innovative approaches to maintain physical and mental health throughout the lifespan. Asians comprise about 60% of the world's population, so it is especially important to ensure that we leverage the tools of precision to provide the best treatment possible for Asians.