As the American Cancer Society continues to study trends in cancer, they are finding that the risk of cancer in African American individuals is higher than in non-Hispanic whites. The most common cancers are prostate, lung and colon cancers in men and breast, lung and colon cancers in women.
Colon cancer is highly preventable with regular screening, but statistics show that the screening rate among African Americans is quite low. Take these facts into consideration:
It is very clear that there needs to be an improvement in colon cancer prevention for African Americans. Researchers do not know exactly why the colon cancer incidence and mortality rate is higher among African Americans, but it may be because more African Americans are obese, sedentary, have poor nutrition and have lower socioeconomic status, which results in poorer health care (Source: Huffington Post).
Because African Americans are at higher risk for colon cancer, a baseline colonoscopy at age 45 (instead of 50) is recommended. The good news is that the gap of higher incidence and mortality rates among African Americans and whites is beginning to narrow. This is likely due to increased awareness, better health habits and more access to health care (thanks to the Affordable Care Act).
Here are some tips to prevent colon cancer and keep you healthy, regardless of race or ethnicity:
All Races are at Risk for Colon Cancer
African American Patients At Higher Risk for Young-Onset Colorectal Cancer