A new study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute reveals that addressing racial disparities in colorectal cancer screening and follow-up care could significantly reduce colon cancer rates and deaths among Black Americans. The research, led by Oguzhan Alagoz, highlights the persistent racial disparities in colorectal cancer outcomes despite recent improvements in overall screening rates.
Black Americans currently face a 23% higher risk of colorectal cancer diagnosis and a 31% higher likelihood of dying from the disease compared to White Americans. While screening adherence rates have improved and nearly equalized in recent years, the study identifies two critical areas where disparities remain: follow-up colonoscopy rates after abnormal initial screenings and the quality of colonoscopies performed.
Using mathematical cancer models, the researchers simulated scenarios where these disparities were eliminated. The results were striking: equalizing follow-up colonoscopy rates could reduce colorectal cancer incidence by 5.2% and mortality by 9.3% among Black Americans. Addressing disparities in colonoscopy quality could decrease both incidence and mortality by 9.4%. Eliminating both disparities simultaneously could reduce incidence by 14.6% and mortality by 18.7%, narrowing the racial gap in colorectal cancer incidence by 49% and mortality by 59%.
Alagoz emphasizes that while these improvements are significant, they alone would not completely close the racial gap in outcomes. He notes, “To truly close the racial gap in cancer deaths and achieve health equity, we need to find innovative solutions.” The study underscores the importance of not only increasing screening rates but also ensuring equal quality of care and follow-up treatment across racial groups to combat health disparities effectively.
