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Toward the Elimination of Colorectal Cancer Disparities Among African Americans

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Journal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Background

In the USA, race and socioeconomic status are well-known factors associated with colorectal cancer incidence and mortality rates. These are higher among blacks than whites and other racial/ethnic groups.

Methods

In this article, we review opportunities to address disparities in colorectal cancer incidence, mortality, and survivorship among African Americans.

Results

First, we summarize the primary prevention of colorectal cancer and recent advances in the early detection of the disease and disparities in screening. Then, we consider black-white disparities in colorectal cancer treatment and survival including factors that may contribute to such disparities and the important roles played by cultural competency, patient trust in one’s physician, and health literacy in addressing colorectal cancer disparities, including the need for studies involving the use of colorectal cancer patient navigators who are culturally competent.

Conclusion

To reduce these disparities, intervention efforts should focus on providing high-quality screening and treatment for colorectal cancer and on educating African Americans about the value of diet, weight control, screening, and treatment. Organized approaches for delivering colorectal cancer screening should be accompanied by programs and policies that provide access to diagnostic follow-up and treatment for underserved populations.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Community Health and Sustainability, Division of Public Health, University of Massachusetts, One University Avenue, Kitson Hall 311A, Lowell, MA, 01854, USA

    Steven S. Coughlin

  2. Department of Community Health and Preventive Medicine, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA

    Daniel S. Blumenthal & Selina A. Smith

  3. Chi Eta Phi Nursing Sorority, Nu Chi Chapter, Cleveland, OH, USA

    Shirley Jordan Seay

  4. Institute of Public and Preventive Health, and Department of Family Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Georgia Regents University, Augusta, GA, USA

    Selina A. Smith

Authors
  1. Steven S. Coughlin
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  2. Daniel S. Blumenthal
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  3. Shirley Jordan Seay
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  4. Selina A. Smith
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Correspondence to Steven S. Coughlin.

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Source of Funding

This work is funded by the National Cancer Institute (1R01CA166785-01).

Conflict of Interest

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

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This article does not contain any studies with human participants performed by any of the authors.

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Coughlin, S.S., Blumenthal, D.S., Seay, S.J. et al. Toward the Elimination of Colorectal Cancer Disparities Among African Americans. J. Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities 3, 555–564 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40615-015-0174-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40615-015-0174-z

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