Racial disparities and early-onset colorectal cancer: A call to action

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of death from cancer in both men and women in the US. Thanks in large part to increased screening of those over age 50 in last decade, overall CRC rates have been falling among the general population. However, the incidence of CRC among younger individuals in the US is rising at an alarming rate. Over the past 20 years, the rate of CRC has increased by 2.2% per year in people under age 50. Hidden within these statistics are the significant disparities in CRC incidence and outcomes that exist for African Americans. Compared to whites, African Americans have a 20% higher incidence of CRC. They are more likely to develop CRC at younger ages, be diagnosed further along in their illness, and are more likely to die of their disease. African Americans have the lowest five-year survival rate for CRC of any racial group in the US. Absolute rates of early-onset CRC, generally defined as CRC diagnosed before age 50 to 55, are higher among African Americans compared to whites. The recent deaths of Chadwick Boseman at age 43 and Natalie Desselle-Reid at age of 53 serve as tragic examples of the disproportionate impact of early-onset CRC among the African American community. Inequities contribute to many factors that may increase risk for early-onset CRC The reasons for this racial disparity in early-onset CRC are unclear. This is not surprising, given our overall lack of understanding of the factors driving the increased incidence of ear...
Source: Harvard Health Blog - Category: Consumer Health News Authors: Tags: Cancer Digestive Disorders Health care disparities Source Type: blogs