Colorectal Cancer News

Notable Racial Disparities in Diagnosis, Treatment and Outcomes of Colorectal Cancer

Evidence suggesting a disparity in colorectal cancer demographics and outcomes between various races was presented at the American College of Gastroenterology’s (ACG) 75th Annual Scientific meeting.

One study was called “Yield of Colonoscopy in the Young: Should Screening for Hispanic Population Begin at an Earlier Age as in African Americans?” It listed reasons why young patients between the ages of 18 and 45 received colonoscopies and the results of their tests, and the study then compared the findings between various ethnic groups.

"In African American and Hispanic patients, cancer was found in 5.1 percent and 3.3 percent respectively. Though retrospective and with a relatively small sample size, our data suggest comparable rates of cancer between young African American and Hispanic patients," said Dr. Arya Karki. Dr. Karki also said a larger study is required to confirm these results before making recommendations for earlier screening in Hispanics.

A second study was called “Racial Disparities in Diagnosis and Treatment Options.” It showed that the age at diagnosis, location of tumor within the colon and the survival rate of colon cancer varies among race. The study used 425 tumor registries at Elmhurst Hospital Center in New York, which was over an eight year period (2000-2008).

References
Science News. Notable Racial Disparities in Diagnosis, Treatment and Outcomes of Colorectal Cancer. ScienceDaily. 2010 October 18.

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