A new study in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute highlights the impact of racial disparities on colon cancer outcomes among Black Americans.
- A paper in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute highlights that eliminating racial disparities in colon cancer testing in the US would greatly reduce colon cancer rates and deaths among Black individuals.
- Despite a decrease in colorectal cancer rates and deaths over time, Black Americans still experience higher incidence rates and lower survival rates compared to white Americans.
- Screening adherence is a key factor in racial disparities, with lower follow-up colonoscopy rates among Black patients affecting outcomes.
- Eliminating Black-white disparities in follow-up colonoscopy rates and colonoscopy quality could significantly reduce colorectal cancer incidence and mortality, with potential to narrow the racial gap in outcomes by up to 59%.
- Closing the racial gap in cancer deaths and achieving health equity requires not just increasing screening rates, but also ensuring similar quality of care during screenings and follow-ups for both Black and white adults.
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Gastroenterology, Public Health & Prevention, Oncology