Cancer
The Burden of Cancer Among Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) Populations in the US: A Systematic Review Madison Willard* Madison Willard Willard Willard Oakland University
Background
Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States (US), yet cancer burden is unknown for Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) populations. Until recently, individuals of MENA descent were aggregated into the “White” ethnic and racial classification, limiting the ability to identify cancer incidence patterns, stage at diagnosis, and disparities unique to this population.
Purpose
This systematic review synthesizes existing evidence on cancer incidence, risk factors, screening behaviors, and interventions among MENA populations.
Methods
PRISMA-ScR guidelines were followed to compile cancer research. PubMed, EMBASE, and CINAHL were searched through October 10, 2026. Of 2,300 records identified, 28 articles met inclusion criteria of primary or cross-sectional research on MENA populations in the US. Descriptive statistics were calculated.
Results
Among included studies 29.6% collected primary data and 70.4% were cross-sectional. Individuals were identified as MENA (37.0%), Somali (22.2%), and Iraqi (11.1%). Most studies took place in Michigan and California. Cancers studied included breast (29.6%), colorectal (18.5%), prostate (14.8%), and cervical (14.8%). Among studies examining incidence and stage at diagnosis, 71.4% reported higher cancer incidence and 85.7% reported higher late-stage diagnosis among foreign-born MENA individuals compared to US-born MENA individuals and Non-Hispanic Whites.
Discussion
This review emphasizes the health and disease status of MENA Americans, finding higher cancer burden and later-stage diagnosis among foreign-born MENA populations. Breast cancer was most frequently reported with the highest incidence rate, followed by prostate, colorectal, and cervical cancers. Additional quantitative and qualitative studies are needed to clarify these disparities and inform specific interventions for MENA populations.