The likelihood of surviving colorectal cancer largely depends on when it is diagnosed. If detected early, up to 90% of individuals survive for five years or more. But if found at more advanced stages, the five-year survival rate is as low as 14% across all races. This is especially worrisome for Black men, who are more likely to be diagnosed with advanced disease: Only 9% survive five years or more after diagnosis.
The American College of Gastroenterology has for several years recommended that Black people should start being screened for colorectal cancer at age 45, while the American College of Physicians advises that screening in Black men and women begin at age 40. There is compelling evidence that both physicians and patients are not aware of the different recommendations for Black individuals, resulting in inadequate screening.
“Did disparities kill the king of Wakanda? Chadwick Boseman and changing landscape of colon cancer demographics” by By Lydia A. Flier, Gabriela Rico, and Yamicia D. Connor on the Stat News website (August 31, 2020)
