Importance of Screening in African American
and Latino Communities

Did you know that African American and Latino communities have some of the highest rates of colorectal cancer? On this page, WunderGlo provides you some very important and life-saving information to know regarding colon/colorectal cancer and why these communities are often greatly affected. 

  • What is Colorectal Cancer?

Colorectal cancer starts in the colon or the rectum, located at the digestive tract’s lower end. Cancer starts when the cells in the body start to grow out of control.

  • Screening 

With colon cancer being on the rise especially with those in African American and Latino communities, screening is essential. Screening can find colorectal cancer early if the disease is small and has not yet spread in the body. A colonoscopy can actually prevent you from a colorectal cancer diagnosis. If polyps are found during your screening, doctors can remove them before a polyp turns into cancer. A colonoscopy is an exam used to detect abnormalities in your colon and rectum. A polyp can take almost as much as 10-15 years to develop into cancer. Your colon must be clean for this to be done so your doctor will assign you a prep. Here are some tips for a successful prep:
1. Stock up on clear liquids such as gatorade, chicken/vegetable broth and popsicles. Nothing red or purple.
2. Eat a low fiber diet starting 2-days before your procedure.
3. If you are having a hard time with the taste of your prep, try drinking it through a straw. (Some people like to chase it with a small sip of apple juice. Sip only small amounts, as too much can cause gas pain).
4. Make sure to finish the prep in its entirety. THIS IS SO IMPORTANT. Your doctor may not be able to perform a successful colonoscopy if you do not have a successful prep.

  • How Common is Colorectal Cancer? 

Did you know colorectal cancer is the third most common diagnosed cancer in both men and women? The lifetime risk of developing colorectal cancer is about 1 in 23 for men and 1 in 25 for women. Other factors can increase your risk in developing colon cancer as well.

  • Symptoms

Although the most common symptom is NO symptom, some of the most common symptoms include:

  1. A persistent change in one’s bowel movements, including diarrhea or constipation or a change in the consistency of your stool
  2. Rectal bleeding or blood in your stool
  3. Persistent abdominal discomfort, such as cramps, gas or pain
  4. A feeling that your bowel doesn’t empty completely
  5. Weakness or fatigue
  6. Unexplained weight loss
  • Colorectal Cancer in African Americans

The rates of colorectal cancer are the highest in African American communities. African Americans are about 20% more likely to get colorectal cancer and about 40% more likely to die from it than most other groups. Some of these disparities can be explained by differences in access to care, cancer screening and other socioeconomic factors, however, disparities remain even after adjustment to these factors.

  • Colorectal Cancer in Hispanic/Latino Population 

Cancers of the colon and rectum are the second most common types of cancer in Latinos. Risks continue to remain for the Latino community due to obstacles such as accessing U.S. healthcare, including language and cultural competency, income and even a lack of health insurance. Latinos are the least likely to get screened for colorectal cancer, less than half (49%) of eligible Hispanic adults. As a result, tumors are found later, with just 33% diagnosed in a local stage.

  • African American Risk Factors 

Research suggests that certain genetic mutations that respond best to immunotherapy and targeted therapy treatments are less prevalent in black patients with CRC, which leads to less favorable outcomes. Genetic factors apparent in African Americans include a high incidence of KRAS gene mutations. This gene affects a cell’s ability to repair errors in DNA which can increase cancer growth. Diet & lifestyle are also contributing factors as to why the African American community is largely affected by colon cancer. The average diet in the Black community includes more animal fat & less fiber, which are both CRC risk factors. Lifestyles are also a factor. Less physical activity, higher tobacco use and related illnesses, lower intakes of Vitamin C & E, and obesity can all contribute to a colon cancer diagnosis.

  • Risk Factors for Latinos/Hispanics 

Higher consumption of red and processed meats is observed in Latino communities which poses as an increased risk for colon cancer. Some Hispanic subgroups have an increased rate of obesity and type-2 diabetes which are also risks to developing colon cancer. Some observed lifestyle factors that may lead to a cancer diagnosis includes levels of physical inactivity, smoking and alcohol consumption. A higher incidence of early onset colorectal cancer has also been seen in some Hispanic subgroups. When it comes to socioeconomic and healthcare factors, Hispanic adults are less likely to undergo regular colon cancer screening than non-Hispanic whites and are therefore likely to be diagnosed at a later stage. Cultural beliefs & attitudes, such as stigma about discussing these type of health issues and not seeking medical advice, can also play a role.

  • Conclusion 

Colon cancer is on the rise and greatly affecting those in African American and Latino communities. There are a number of reasons as to why this is occurring, ranging from diet, lifestyle, genetics, biological factors, socioeconomic factors, healthcare and even cultural beliefs and attitudes. Minority groups often experience lower rates of colorectal cancer screening, leading to later stage diagnosis and poorer outcomes. This can be attributed to barriers like lack of awareness, limited access to screening facilities, and mistrust of the healthcare system. This greatly impacts survival. These disparities in treatment and screening contribute to lower overall survival rate for minority groups. For instance, five-year CRC survival rates for Black Americans have consistently been 6-12% lower than those of White Americans. This being said, screening is so very important to both find and even prevent some colon cancers. Know and be aware of the symptoms and please talk to your doctor. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer related deaths. However, even with this fact, colorectal cancer research is widely underfunded. What steps can you take to help funding for more research? Every donation made to The Gloria Borges WunderGlo Foundation focuses on funding vital research for “The Cure”!