Are Some Ethnic Groups More Prone to NCAH?

Yes. Certain ethnic groups are at higher risk for NCAH.

Ashkenazi Jews, Italians and Hispanics have higher rates of NCAH than the general population.

For Ashkenazi Jews, Jews whose ancestors came from Eastern Europe, the rate of NCAH is 1 in 27 people. As many as one-third of all Ashkenazi Jews may carry the recessive gene for NCAH.

For Hispanics, the rate of NCAH is 1 in 40 people. In the Italian population, the frequency is 1 in 300.

People with these ethnic backgrounds should be especially vigilant for signs of NCAH.