“It is unfortunate that the passing of Chadwick Boseman is what had to happen to bring increased awareness around colorectal cancer, but so many people have told me that after his passing they spoke with their family about it and learned that a relative had colorectal cancer, so they underwent screening,” said gastroenterologist Adjoa Anyane-Yeboa (above) of Massachusetts General Hospital.
“We need to ensure that Black men and women, who are at high risk for colon cancer, are being screened at age 45 years and that it is not only the people who have always been low risk that are continuing to get screened.”
Hematology/Oncology News Today spoke with gastroenterologists and oncologists about the disproportionate incidence of colorectal cancer among young Black individuals, ongoing research into potential cancer risk factors in this group, recent updates to screening recommendations, and outreach efforts that are needed to address this worrisome trend.
See “Steady rise in early-onset colorectal cancer among Blacks calls for renewed outreach” by Jennifer Southall on the Healio webaite (January 25, 2021)
