A new study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute reveals that addressing racial disparities in colonoscopy follow-up and quality could significantly reduce colorectal cancer (CRC) deaths among Black individuals. The research, led by Dr. Oguzhan Alagoz from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, found that eliminating these disparities could decrease CRC incidence by up to 15%, mortality by 19%, and increase life-years gained by 7% for Black adults.
The study highlights that while improving screening rates is important, it’s not enough to close the racial gap in cancer deaths. Dr. Alagoz stated, “To truly close the racial gap in cancer deaths and achieve health equity, we need to find innovative solutions.” The research identified two key areas of disparity: lower follow-up colonoscopy rates and lower-quality colonoscopies for Black patients.
Financial barriers have historically hindered adherence to follow-up colonoscopies among Black patients, prompting Medicare to eliminate out-of-pocket costs for these procedures starting last January. However, the study also found that Black adults are more likely to receive lower-quality colonoscopies, as measured by the adenoma detection rate of endoscopists.
The authors emphasize the need for innovative solutions to eliminate racial disparities in CRC control and improve overall health equity in the United States.
While the study has limitations, including the need for more robust data on racial disparities in adenoma detection rates and follow-up colonoscopy rates, it underscores the importance of addressing disparities not only in screening adherence but also in the quality of care provided during screenings and follow-up to improve CRC outcomes for Black individuals.
See “Eliminating Disparity in Colonoscopy Follow-Up, Would Reduce Colon Cancer Death Rate” (July 24, 2024)