Considering Colorectal Cancer and Its Dominance in the Black Community
What is Colorectal Cancer?
First, let’s begin by defining what is Colorectal Cancer?
To some it may be known as bowel cancer or colon cancer alone, but it is surely one of the most common types of cancer worldwide. It develops in the colon or rectum, which are parts of the digestive system.
When considering colorectal cancer in the Black community, it is a fact that there are more chances for disease development and greater death rates compared to other racial or ethnic groups. Much of this connection can be due to greater socioeconomic disadvantages that prevail in Black communities, including income, education, and insurance coverage. For this reason, we often see dietary habits that are not protective against the disease itself, along with limited access to preventive care to reduce the development of disease in later stages that are often harder to treat and recover from.
What are the common symptoms to look for?
Watching for changes in our health can prompt us to then seek medical attention. For that reason, these are common symptoms to look for:
1. Changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhea or constipation
2. Blood in the stool or rectal bleeding
3. Abdominal discomfort, cramps, or pain
4. Unexplained weight loss
5. Fatigue or weakness
6. Feeling that the bowel system does not empty completely
In Black households and communities, the burden of medical debt looms large, with a staggering 62% of bankruptcies attributed to healthcare expenses. Distressingly, one-third of Black individuals grapple with overdue medical bills, a figure surpassing their White counterparts by a significant margin. Moreover, disparities persist in access to healthcare coverage, with 17% of Black adults lacking insurance compared to 12% of White adults. These sobering statistics underscore the urgent need to address systemic inequalities in healthcare access and affordability.
What are some of the risk factors
There are risk factors in our lives that can increase our chances of colorectal cancer. These include:
Getting older in age
Having a family history of colorectal cancer
Personal medical history of colorectal polyps of inflammatory bowel disease
Being overweight
Consuming processed foods
Smoking
Heavy alcohol consumption
Reduced physical activity
Taking Control of Your Health
While some risk factors, like age and family history, cannot be changed, there are steps individuals can take to reduce their risk of colorectal cancer:
-Screening: Regular screening tests, such as colonoscopies or stool tests, which can detect colorectal cancer early when it is most treatable.
-Healthy lifestyle: Maintain a healthy weight, exercise regularly, and consume a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains while limiting processed meats and alcohol intake.
-Quit smoking: Smoking increases the risk of developing colorectal cancer, so quitting smoking can reduce that risk.
-Know your family history: If you have a family history of colorectal cancer or polyps, talk to your healthcare provider about appropriate screening and prevention measures.
Overall, colorectal cancer is a significant health concern, but awareness, early detection, and lifestyle modifications can help reduce the risk and improve outcomes. By understanding the symptoms, risk factors, and prevention strategies outlined in this post, individuals can take proactive steps to protect their health and well-being. If you experience any concerning symptoms or have risk factors for colorectal cancer, consult with your healthcare provider promptly for evaluation and appropriate management. Refer to the BHE Foundation’s Health Directory resource on our website as well to assist in finding healthcare providers to meet your needs.
About the Author: Lauren Lemons, BHSc, MHS-PAS
Lauren Lemons is a Magna Cum Laude graduate of The Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Sciences and a minor in Global Public Health. Currently, she is pursuing her Master of Science degree in Physician Assistant Studies at Duke University School of Medicine. While at Duke University, she has continued to develop her skill-sets in preparation for her commitment to serving underserved communities as a NHSC scholar. Furthermore, she has been able to participate on panels discussing the physician assistant career and act as a facilitator during physician assistant admissions efforts. She values the efforts of community health initiatives and the role they will play in improving health outcomes, by addressing the social determinants of health.
