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| Vol.22, No.5 |
| March 15, 2000 |
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African-Americans More Likely to Die of Colorectal Cancer Than Any Other Racial or Ethnic Group by ALISON RUFFIN The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center Despite advances in cancer research and treatment that continue to help many people live beyond a cancer diagnosis, one racial/ethnic group stands out because of its higher mortality rate for colorectal cancer. "More than individuals of any other racial or ethnic background, African-Americans are more like to die of this disease," says Dr. Bernard Levin, vice president for cancer prevention at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center. Dr. Levin testified before the Congressional Black Caucus and Older Americans Caucus in Washington, D.C. on Feb. 17, on the eve of the first-ever National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in March. "Overall, we've seen a decline in the colorectal cancer mortality rate in recent years, but this has not extended to African-Americans," he says. African-Americans are more likely to be diagnosed with colorectal cancer in its more advanced stages, resulting in poorer treatment outcomes. U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, D-Texas, is voicing her support of the new month dedicated to colorectal cancer awareness, as well as the need to educate the African-American community about screening and early detection. "It is a national tragedy that African-Americans are more likely to die of colorectal cancer than any other racial or ethnic group in the United States," Lee says. "This is particularly devastating because this type of cancer not only is preventable, it is 90 percent curable if detected early." Additionally, incidence rates for African-Americans are increasing. In recent years, colorectal cancer incidence has increased 46 percent among African-American men and 10 percent among African-American women. "We need to put aside our embarrassment, and begin talking about colorectal cancer," Lee says. "Maintaining a dialogue at national, regional and local levels will significantly reduce the number deaths due to this disease." A bill currently before the House of Representatives requires health insurers to provide coverage for colorectal cancer screening examinations. The bill, titled "Eliminate Colorectal Cancer Act of 1999," specifies that insurers cover screening for everyone age 50 and older, and also for individuals younger than 50 years old who are at high risk of developing the disease. U.S. Representatives Ken Bentsen (D-Texas) and Gene Green (D-Texas) are co-sponsoring HR 1816. Dr. Grace Butler, a University of Houston professor and colorectal cancer survivor, spoke about her experience at a recent press conference held at M. D. Anderson. Less than one year ago, Dr. Butler was diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer. Her battle has involved partial removal of the colon and chemotherapy. She, too, addressed the need for further education about the disease among the African-American community. Colorectal cancer is the nation's second leading cancer killer, with an estimated 56,500 deaths in the United States expected this year, according to the American Cancer Society. In Texas, an estimated 3,600 deaths are expected in 2000. Regular screening and early detection examinations allow the disease to be discovered at its earliest, most treatable, stages. Screening should begin at age 50, or earlier for individuals with a family history of the disease, Dr. Levin says. Recommendations for colorectal cancer include the following:
M. D. Anderson is offering colorectal cancer screening kits free of charge at the institution's Cancer Prevention Center on Wednesday, March 29, between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. For more information about the free kits or to make an appointment in the Cancer Prevention Center, call 1-800-392-1611. For more information about colorectal cancer, call the Cancer Information Service at 1-800-4-CANCER. (Additional reporting by Kristina Van Arsdel)
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