Colorectal Cancer

Certain patient communities are more likely to die from colorectal cancer, but it doesn't have to be that way.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer in the United States, with more than 150,000 new people diagnosed each year. 

Multiple studies have shown that certain communities are less likely to get routine screening, including screen with colonoscopy. Despite higher risk, Black and Hispanic adults are less likely to receive recommended colorectal cancer screening.

Sharing our health journeys inspires action and better health outcomes.

Learn from experts

Dr Olumide Gbolahan

"Colorectal Cancer Awareness for the Black/African-American Community"

Learn about key risk factors for colorectal cancer and its impact on the Black/African American community.

Patient stories

Hear real stories from patients like you.

“I wish I’d known of my increased risk as a black man. That’s why I’m urging all Americans, especially African Americans, since we’re at greater risk of getting colorectal cancer, to get screened at least by the age of 45, sooner if you’re at greater risk, so that you can catch colorectal cancer early.”

—Rik, Colorectal Cancer Patient

“When I had a pre-cancerous polyp removed during a colonoscopy in my early 40s I did encourage my mother and my aunt to get them as well, but they said that they felt fine and they didn’t need to get it. My aunt was ultimately diagnosed with colorectal cancer when she was too sick to do anything about it.”

—Cristina, Colorectal Cancer Caregiver

Interested in sharing your story? If you participate, you will be paid for your time.

Hispanic American Community

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of cancer death among Hispanic Americans.

In the United States, Hispanic Americans experience colorectal cancer earlier than any other ethnic group, and at double the rate of non-Hispanic Whites. The highest increase (90%) was among young Hispanic Americans, between ages 20-29 years.

Hispanic Americans are also more likely to be diagnosed with more advanced colorectal cancer.

Colorectal cancer screening rates are much lower among Hispanic Americans over 50, putting the community at an increased risk for advanced-stage colorectal cancer.

African American Community

Of any ethnic group, African Americans get and die from colorectal cancer most often.

African Americans get diagnosed with colorectal cancer at a younger age and at an advanced stage. This is partly due to lower colorectal cancer screening rates for African Americans.

However, the American College of Gastroenterology, USPSTF, and the American Cancer Society all recommend earlier colorectal cancer screening amongst African Americans.
African Americans are also less likely to know about their family history of cancer as cancer is often an uncomfortable subject to talk about.
But it is critical to share your cancer story, even if it is just with family members. If your loved ones don’t know they are at a higher risk for getting colorectal cancer, then they can’t share that information with their doctors, and they may not be screened.

Asian American Community

There are over 100 different groups of Asians. Research shows that some Asian Americans get colorectal cancer (CRC) at a more advanced stage and experience delays in treatment, even though, colorectal cancer rates may be lower amongst the Asian American community as a whole. When looking at the individual groups of Asian Americans, disparities in colorectal cancer (CRC) also exist.

For instance, the rate of colorectal cancer in Japanese men is 23% more than in non-Hispanic white men.
Japanese, Korean, Filipino, Laotian, Kampuchean, and Thai patients, representing about 50% of the Asian American Community, were more likely to be diagnosed with a more advanced stage of CRC compared to non-Hispanic White patients.
Also, Chinese, Japanese, Filipino, Korean, and Vietnamese patients, representing 75% of Asian Americans, were more likely to experience delays in treatment of CRC, after diagnosis, compared to non-Hispanic White Americans.

What are the risk factors for Colorectal cancer (CRC)?

Your risk of getting CRC increases as you get older, but our Communities of Color may be at greater risk, before the age of 50, so it’s important to understand risk factors for CRC, your family history, and just go to your doctor to get screened for CRC.

Other risk factors include:

Inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
A genetic syndrome such as familial adenomatous polyposis, which means you can develop multiple noncancerous growths (polyps) and these can turn into cancer if not removed
A family history of CRC or colorectal polyps

Lifestyle factors such as little to no exercise, a diet low in fruits and vegetables, a low fiber diet, being overweight and obese, excessive alcohol consumption, and tobacco use also increase your risk for CRC.

How can I get screened for CRC?

Colorectal cancer screening. CRC almost always develops from precancerous polyps in the colon or rectum.

Screening tests can help find polyps in your colon (before they turn in to cancer) so that they can be removed. Screening tests can also find colorectal cancer early, when there is a best chance to be cured from cancer.

Guidelines say that screening should begin at age 45, but for people who are at higher risk, your doctor may recommend screening sooner. That is why it is so crucial for you to know your family history and for you to share this information with your doctor.

While there are stool or “poop” tests to screen for colorectal cancer, IF your test result is abnormal, you still need a colonoscopy to verify your results. Talk to your doctor about which test is right for you.

Stool Tests: These tests check your stool to detect blood in the stool. It is done once a year. For this test, you receive a test kit from your doctor, which you can complete at home and then return the sample to your doctor or lab, where it is checked for blood.
Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: The doctor puts a short, thin, flexible, lighted tube into your rectum to check for polyps.
Colonoscopy: This is the most accurate test as your doctor can check for polyps or cancer inside the rectum and the entire colon. She can also remove most polyps and some cancers during the procedure. A colonoscopy is also the follow-up test to see if anything unusual is found during one of the other stool screening tests.

What if you have been diagnosed with colorectal cancer?

First, don’t lose hope. There are many FDA-approved treatment options, even to treat more advanced colorectal cancer. Work with your doctor and consult with an oncologist, a specialist who identifies and treats cancers.

Have you considered joining a clinical trial?
If you are interested in joining a clinical trial or if you want to learn more—Let’s get connected. We can help you identify a clinical trial that is the best fit for you.

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We want to hear from you. We must raise our voices to ensure that health care works for all of us. If you are selected, you will be paid for your time.

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