May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, a time to recognize the historical and cultural contributions of individuals and groups of Asian and Pacific Islander descent to the United States. I’ve chosen to use this column to talk about health issues that impact Asians. 

Readers might be unaware that Naperville’s population being 21% Asian is the exception and not the norm compared to the national statistic of only 7% of America being Asian. 

Since Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month lasts all month, it seems like a good time to not just celebrate Naperville’s diverse community, but also to take a look at a long-standing Asian health issue.

It’s a commonly known fact that the leading cause of death in America is heart disease. That’s why so much general emphasis is placed on getting screenings done, having your blood tested, and keeping an eye on your blood pressure. 

What’s less well known is that for Asians specifically, the leading cause of death isn’t heart disease; it’s cancer. Approximately a fifth of all Asian deaths can be attributed to cancer. 

Teachers and counselors have told me my whole life that the thing most likely to kill me is a cardiovascular disease. And while that is absolutely a prevalent health issue, for me and countless other Asians, cancer is statistically a greater danger. 

My grandfather died of stomach cancer shortly before I was born. Had he gotten his cancer screenings maybe a few years earlier, I might have been able to meet him.

Cancer screenings are a potentially life-saving early warning system that save millions of lives every single year. So that is exactly what everyone, whether Asian or not, should pursue. 

If you are at an age where you are at risk for cancer, go get your screenings. For all you know, the next life saved by cancer screenings could be yours.