Study reveals barriers to colorectal cancer screening for Black people

The study, conducted by Massachusetts General Hospital researcher Adjoa Anyane-Yeboah, focused on the barriers that prevent Black people from receiving advisable colon cancer screenings, which led to 4 cancer prevention strategies that people should accept.

According to General Mass Brigham, improving sleep quality, limiting sugar-sweetened beverages and repeatedly using aspirin are some ways to reduce the chance of assorted cancers, including colon cancer.

According to a study by Anyane-Yeboah: One of the largest barriers is procrastination for advisable colorectal cancer screening.

The study found that the perfect message to motivate black people to get screened for colorectal cancer is to simply present statistics.

“The highest-rated screening message was: ‘Did you know that colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among blacks and African Americans in the United States?’ Colorectal cancer can be detected early or even prevented with regular screening. Most people should start screening at age 45.”

The study continued: “Another highly preferred message was: ‘Colorectal cancer is often a silent disease. There are usually no symptoms. That’s why it’s important to get screened. It may help prevent colon cancer or detect it early, when it is most easily treated. Most people should start screening at age 45.”

According to a 2020 article published by the American Cancer Society: Colorectal cancer disproportionately affects black people.

According to their statistics, the chance of dying from this disease is 20% higher in black people than in other groups.

According to Durando Brooks, physician and vice chairman of prevention and early detection on the American Cancer Society, “Colorectal cancer is the second deadliest cancer in the country,” Brooks said. “This disease is devastating the Black community, and as always, it is important that everyone has access to and take advantage of recommended screening tests. Even during the coronavirus pandemic, essential screening tests are still available to prevent the disease or detect it in an early, more treatable stage.”

According to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center: that is another excuse why colorectal cancer is difficult to treat in black people is how the disease resists immunotherapy and targeted therapies in people of African descent.

According to computational biologist Henry Walch, this highlights the necessity for racially diverse cancer research.

“Our findings suggest that the type of molecular profiles seen in tumors from patients of African descent may reduce the number of treatment options these patients have,” Walch said. “They also underscore the urgent need to include racially diverse populations in cancer research and drug development research.”

Walch continued: “This study is part of a much larger project in which we are trying to understand the multiple causes of poor outcomes in African-Americans with colorectal cancer. Our ultimate goal is to identify opportunities to intervene and improve outcomes in this underserved patient community.”