Progress In Colorectal Cancer Not Shared By Everyone

An article published this week in the American Cancer Society journal CA: A Journal for Clinicians received a lot of media attention. The report showed dramatic declines in the rate of people being diagnosed with colorectal cancer, as well as decreases in the rates of colorectal cancer deaths over the past number of years. But the press didn't say much about the fact that not everyone has benefitted from the progress we have made in the prevention, early detection, and improved treatment for colorectal cancer. It is a sad but very real commentary on how we approach health care in this country that African Americans have not benefitted equally from this progress in treating a cancer that for many people can be prevented or effectively treated when found before it spreads to other parts of the body. As a nation, I believe it is incumbent that we address this glaring health disparity. To do less is unacceptable. Here are some examples from the research report: 1)      During 2006 to 2010, colorectal cancer incidence rates in blacks were approximately 25% higher than those in whites, and 50% higher than those of Asian-Pacific Islander descent 2)      A larger disparity exists for mortality, for which rates in blacks are approximately 50% higher than those in whites 3)      Non-Hispanic blacks have a greater chance of being diagnosed with colorectal cancer that has spread elsewhere in the body (24% vs. 19%...
Source: Dr. Len's Cancer Blog - Category: Cancer Authors: Tags: Access to care Colon Cancer Diet Early detection Environment Media Medicare Medications Prevention Rectal Cancer Research Screening Treatment Source Type: blogs