Unmasking Hidden Asian American Health Disparities: The Danger of Data Lump Sum
The broad categorization of "Asian American" in medical research and public health in the United States obscures significant health disparities among different Asian subgroups. Despite having diverse cultural, linguistic, and genetic backgrounds, over 25 million Americans of Asian ancestry are grouped together, leading to the misconception that they are doing well in terms of income, education, and health outcomes. However, disaggregated data reveals disparities, such as higher rates of liver cancer among Laotian Americans and cervical cancer among Hmong women. The lack of data equity hinders efforts to address health disparities and provide targeted interventions. Calls for disaggregating data and improving data collection methods are gaining momentum, but more work is needed to ensure accurate representation and address systemic racism in healthcare.