NewsRx.com
October 1, 2009
Although overall incidence and death rates from colorectal cancer are decreasing, the gap in death rates between African-Americans and Caucasians has widened. Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer among both African-American men and women, however, it is preventable and some screening programs within the African-American community are working to reduce the incidence of this disease. An issue forum on African-Americans and colorectal cancer hosted by Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr., U.S. House of Representatives, Illinois, 2nd Congressional District, and the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE), today at the Congressional Black Caucus 2009 Annual Legislative Conference, is examining programs in the United States that are successfully addressing disparities in colorectal cancer screening and treatment.
"African-Americans can take charge of their health and prevent colorectal cancer. The physicians at this session will discuss the important factors that help to prevent colorectal cancer and reduce death rates. The forum will also address effective community colorectal cancer screening programs already in place around the U.S. that are making a real difference," said Rep. Jackson. "I am delighted to be hosting this session with the ASGE and applaud their ongoing patient education efforts to reduce deaths from colorectal cancer. I hope that attendees will take back valuable information to use in their communities to spread the word that colorectal cancer screening saves lives."
Researchers continue to debate the factors that have contributed to the disparities in colorectal cancer death rates between African-Americans and Caucasians, but some of the factors identified may include genetics, socioeconomic factors, differences in access to healthcare, diet and lifestyle, later diagnosis and different treatment for African-Americans.
"Colorectal cancer is a preventable disease. Guidelines suggest that those at average risk begin screening at age 50, however, some studies have shown that African-Americans are more frequently diagnosed with colorectal cancer at a younger age, leading some experts to suggest that African-Americans should begin screening at age 45," said Robynne K. Chutkan, MD, FASGE, forum presenter and spokesperson for the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. "We are grateful to Rep. Jackson for recognizing the importance of colorectal cancer screening and hosting this session with the ASGE. African-Americans can do something about this disease by becoming educated about colorectal cancer, their family's medical history, and by speaking with their doctor about risk factors to determine an appropriate screening schedule."
Copyright 2009, Preventive Medicine Week via NewsRx.com
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