Hispanic and Black Americans are less likely to receive comprehensive biomarker testing for colorectal cancer (CRC) compared to their White counterparts, a recent study indicates. The odds of Hispanic or Latino individuals undergoing such testing were 31% lower than non-Hispanic or Latino ethnicity, while Black patients had 18% lower odds than White patients.
The study, which highlights significant health disparities in the United States, underscores the need for targeted interventions to ensure equitable access to CRC screening and diagnostic services. These disparities are particularly concerning given the role of biomarker testing in guiding treatment decisions and improving patient outcomes in CRC.
Colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in the U.S., and early detection through screening is critical for effective treatment. However, only 47% of Hispanics reported recent CRC screening compared to 64% of non-Hispanics, with even larger differences observed based on the period of U.S. residence and other socioeconomic factors.
The findings also align with previous research indicating that Black and Hispanic CRC patients are more likely to experience treatment delays and receive lower standards of care. Socioeconomic deprivation may contribute to these disparities, but the study suggests that race and ethnicity play a more significant role in the observed inequities.
Efforts to improve CRC screening rates and access to biomarker testing are essential to address these disparities. The study’s results call for increased awareness, education, and policy changes to ensure that all individuals, regardless of race or ethnicity, have equal opportunities for early CRC detection and treatment.
The study was published on Medscape and adds to a growing body of literature documenting racial and ethnic disparities in cancer care in the United States.
See “Study Reveals Disparities in CRC Biomarker Testing Trends” by Deepa Varma on the Medscape website (February 1, 2024)
