Studies show African American women are disproportionately impacted by many chronic diseases: diabetes, heart disease, strokes, and certain cancers like breast and colon. In this article, I dive into the impact of colorectal cancer (CRC) on the African American community and empower you with essential information and resources to help you stay informed, prioritize early screening, and take charge of your health and well-being.
Why Discuss Colorectal Cancer
With so many pressing health issues impacting African American women, why focus on CRC? I feel a responsibility to spotlight CRC because my oldest sister, Deborah, passed away from CRC on Oct 31, 2021. Her loss motivates me to raise awareness about the importance of screening and early detection in hopes of helping others avoid the same tragedy.
What is Colorectal Cancer?
Colorectal cancer starts in the colon or rectum, parts of the digestive system. The colon, along with the rectum, makes up the large intestine.
What causes CRC?
CRC occurs when the cells lining the colon, a vital part of the digestive system, become abnormal and out of control.
What are some of the facts about CRC?
- CRC is the fourth most common cancer in the U.S. among men and women combined and the second leading cause of cancer death.
- CRC affects African Americans at a higher rate than any other racial/ethnic group in the U.S.
- African Americans are 20% more likely to get CRC.
- African Americans are 40% more likely to die from CRC.
- CRC has a survival rate of 90% if detected early(stage I and II) after 5 years of being diagnosed.
- In 2023, 13% of new CRC cases in the U.S. were in people under 50, known as “early-onset.”
- Check out this must-read article on CRC in young African Americans.
- About 90% of people diagnosed with CRC in the U.S. are over 50
Who should get screened for colorectal cancer, and when?
- Routine screening for colorectal cancer should begin at age 45.
- People who are at a high risk of CRC should talk with their doctor about getting screened before 45.
- Including people with:
- A family history of colorectal cancer or certain types of polyps
- A personal history of colorectal cancer or certain types of polyps
- A personal history of inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease)
- A known or suspected family history of a hereditary colorectal cancer syndrome, such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or Lynch syndrome (also known as hereditary non-polyposis colon cancer, or HNPCC)
- A personal history of radiation to the abdomen (belly) or pelvic area to treat a prior cancer
- Including people with:
Types of CRC screening and testing:
- Colonoscopy-A procedure in which a flexible fiber-optic instrument is inserted through the anus to examine the colon
- Blood-based tests: These tests check a person’s blood for signs of colorectal cancer.
- Stool-based tests: These tests check the stool for signs of colon cancer; they are less invasive and easier to perform, but must be done more often.
- Visual (structural) exams: These tests examine the structure of the colon and rectum for abnormal areas.
- Stage 0: This is the earliest stage of CRC, in which abnormal cancer cells are limited to only the inner lining of the colon or rectum.
- Stage 1: In stage 1 CRC, cancer has grown into the deeper layers of the colon or rectum wall but hasn’t grown beyond it.
- Stage 2 – Stage 2 CRC is divided into three substages, 2A, 2B, and 2C
- Stage 3 – Stage 3 CRC is divided into three substages: 3A, 3B, and 3C.
- Stage 4 – Stage 4 is the most advanced stage of CRC and has three substages.
Some common symptoms can include the following:
- You can have colorectal cancer without experiencing any symptoms in the early stages (1 and 2)
- Change in bowel habits:
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Incontinence
- Blood on or in your stool (poop)
- Abdominal and pelvic pain
- Unexplained weight loss
- Vomiting
- Fatigue
- Anemia
What are some of the CRC risk factors?
- Black/African American Ancestry
- Are older than 60
- Sedentary Lifestyle
- Fear of getting screened
- Consuming high-quality amounts of alcohol
- Obesity or overweight
- High Processed Food Diet
- Lifestyle factors
- Socioeconomic factors
- Systemic racism
- Healthcare access
- Eat a diet high in red or processed meats.
- Avoid smoking and tobacco products.
How can you get involved and bring awareness to CRC
- Donate
- Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month
- Volunteer
- Events
- Become an advocate
- Walk to End CRC annual 5K. Atlanta 2024 Walk to End CRC video below:
How to live a healthy lifestyle and lower your risk of CRC.
Beyond getting screened and knowing your risk factors and family history:
- Listen to your body, and be your health advocate. If something doesn’t feel right or changes, take control and speak to your doctor.
- Stay hydrated; drink the recommended amount of water for your body.
- Reduce excess sugar and fried foods from your diet.
- Reduce or eliminate red meat and other meats from your diet.
- Eat a whole plant-based diet (e.g. vegetables, fruit, whole grains)
- Monitor bathroom habits for any changes.
- Exercise regularly
- Reduce or eliminate processed foods from your diet.
Resources available for those affected by CRC
- The Colorectal Cancer Alliance offers the “Blue Hope Financial Assistance” program, which includes stipends to help with the cost of screening and treatment.
- CancerCare offers free, professional support services and information to help people manage the emotional, practical, and financial challenges of cancer.
- PAN Foundation – Provide financial assistance for treatment costs, advocacy, and education for CRC patients.
- Most states have a Cancer State Aid program available through the Department of Public Health—Google “Cancer State Aid” for your state for more information. I live in Georgia; here’s the Georgia Cancer Aid program website.
- Hope Lodge Community – Currently, 30 Hope Lodge communities across the country offer free lodging near treatment centers for patients undergoing cancer treatment. Caregivers are welcome to stay as well.
In closing, screening for colon cancer is vital to protecting your health. Early detection can save lives, turning what could be a silent and devastating illness into a treatable condition.
Disclaimer
This article is meant to raise awareness and encourage open conversations about colon cancer, a disease impacting so many in the African American community. This article is intended to raise awareness and promote open discussions about colon cancer, a disease impacting so many in the African American community.
#ColonCancerAwareness#ScreeningSavesLives#BlackWomenHealth#CRCPrevention
#EarlyDetectionMatters, #StopTheSilence#ColorectalCancer#EndTheStigma#HealthAwareness
#BlackHealthMatters#CRCawareness#Colorectal
