Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal Cancer in African American Men and Women: Facts, Data, and Health Insights

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, and African American men and women are disproportionately affected. Understanding the risks, symptoms, treatment options, and the latest data on incidence rates is crucial to improving early detection and outcomes in this high-risk population.

Woman sick

Why Colorectal Cancer Hits African Americans Harder

Numerous studies show that African Americans are:

  • More likely to be diagnosed at an advanced stage
  • More likely to die from colorectal cancer
  • Less likely to receive timely screening and treatment

Key Contributing Factors:

  • Socioeconomic disparities limiting access to preventive care
  • Lower screening rates due to healthcare access and awareness gaps
  • Higher prevalence of risk factors such as obesity, diabetes, and diets low in fiber and high in red or processed meat
  • Genetic differences may play a role in tumor biology.

Incidence and Mortality Data by Age Group

According to data from the American Cancer Society and the SEER Program (Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results):

 

Age       Incidence Rate (per 100,000)                  Comments
20–39               5.0 (rising)       Younger adults are experiencing increasing rates of early-onset CRC
40–49                 26.1       Rates increasing among this group, prompting earlier screening recommendations
50–64                 78.2       High incidence and often diagnosed at a later stage
65+               165.1       Highest rate of diagnosis; majority of cases occur in this age group

Common Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer

Many symptoms may go unnoticed in early stages. Seek medical attention if you experience:

  • Persistent abdominal pain or cramping
  • Blood in the stool or rectal bleeding
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Fatigue and weakness
  • Changes in bowel habits (diarrhea, constipation, or narrowing of the stool)

Early detection significantly improves outcomes. Don’t ignore these signs.

Risk Factors for Colorectal Cancer

African Americans are more likely to develop colorectal cancer due to a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors:

Major Risk Factors:

  • Age 45 and older
  • Family history of colorectal cancer or polyps
  • Inflammatory bowel disease (e.g., Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis)
  • Obesity and a sedentary lifestyle
  • Diets high in red or processed meats
  • Smoking and heavy alcohol use
  • Type 2 diabetes

Screening Recommendations

Due to the higher risk in the African American population, the American College of Gastroenterology recommends:

Begin regular screening at age 45 (or earlier with family history or other risk factors)

Screening options include:

  • Colonoscopy (every 10 years)
  • Stool-based tests (every 1–3 years)
  • Flexible sigmoidoscopy (every 5 years)

Treatment Options for Colorectal Cancer

Treatment depends on the stage at diagnosis, location of the tumor, and overall health of the patient.

Common Treatments:

  • Surgery – Removal of tumors or affected portions of the colon
  • Radiation therapy – Often used in rectal cancer
  • Chemotherapy – Used alone or with surgery/radiation
  • Targeted therapy – Drugs designed to target specific cancer cell markers
  • Immunotherapy – Helps the body’s immune system attack cancer cells