Colorectal cancer disparities and African Americans: is it time to narrow the gap?

Abstract

Colorectal cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death in both men and women. Although the overall incidence and mortality rates of colorectal cancer are declining, African Americans have significantly higher rates of colorectal cancer than Caucasians, and they have worse 5-year survival rates. This article reviews some of the contributing factors that lead to this racial disparity in colorectal cancer between these groups. The increase in poor health outcomes among African Americans is due to low socioeconomic standing, poor compliance, psychosocial barriers, and patient mistrust of healthcare providers and the healthcare system. Research on interventions to improve health outcomes is important to reduce the causes of these disparities.

Keywords: colorectal cancer; screening; African Americans; Blacks; health disparities; interventions; public health