Rates of colorectal cancer (CRC) have shown a decline in recent years, primarily due to increased screening and early detection or prevention efforts. However, it is important to note that there are still disparities in CRC rates among different racial and ethnic groups. African Americans, for instance, have higher rates of CRC compared to other groups, with a 20% higher likelihood of receiving a diagnosis and a 40% higher likelihood of dying from the disease, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS). Recent research from 2021 also suggests that Native Americans face an increased risk.
When examining the disparities, several factors come into play. It is likely a combination of genetics, access to healthcare, and systemic racism that contribute to these differences.
Diagnosing CRC at an earlier stage is crucial, and screening plays a vital role in achieving this. A colonoscopy, for example, can not only diagnose CRC but also prevent it by removing polyps, which are growths in the colon or rectum that can become cancerous. However, Black individuals in the United States are 8% less likely to undergo screening colonoscopies compared to other groups, resulting in a potential delay in detecting CRC until a later stage when treatment options may be limited.
Furthermore, Black individuals are more likely to receive a diagnosis of CRC at a younger age. While approximately 5% of CRC diagnoses occur before the age of 50 in the overall population, this number more than doubles to 11% among Black Americans under the age of 50.
Tragically, Black individuals in the United States also experience higher mortality rates from colorectal cancer compared to other groups. Factors such as higher poverty rates, lower rates of health insurance, limited inclusion in clinical trials, and lower quality of cancer care contribute to this disparity.
Addressing these disparities requires a comprehensive approach that focuses on improving access to healthcare, promoting equal opportunities for participation in clinical trials, and ensuring high-quality cancer care for all individuals, regardless of their race or ethnicity.
