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Written By: Melissa M. Murphy, MD, Executive Chief of Surgery, Care New England Health System; Chief of Surgery, Kent Hospital on March 9, 2022
As many tuned in to watch the 2022 Super Bowl half-time show and reminisced to songs like “Next Episode”, “California Love”, and “In Da Club”, you might not have been thinking about the artists’ risk of developing colon cancer. Specifically, the a higher risk among African Americans to develop colorectal cancer. But yes, Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, Mary J. Blige, and 50 Cent have all passed the age threshold of 45 when the American Cancer Society recommends starting colon cancer screening. If you sang along to these songs, you may be due too! Learn more about your screening options.
In people less than age 50, colorectal cancer has risen by 1.5% annually since 1992 for reasons that are not fully understood.
Approximately 90% of all colorectal cancer cases and deaths are preventable by removing polyps and treating colon cancer when detected early. Why is screening among African Americans lower than for other ethnic groups?
It is important for physicians to build relationships with their patients and provide them with the data to help the patients make an informed decision about colorectal cancer screening.
African Americans make up a disproportionate number of those with lower socioeconomic status which can directly impact access to healthcare, food, and resources.
Talk to your primary care doctor if you notice any of the following.
Advocate for your health if you have any of these symptoms! But remember, not everyone with colorectal cancer has symptoms which is why screening is SO important.
The American Cancer Society recommends screening begin at age 45 or earlier if you have other risk factors
There are different types of tests to screen someone for colorectal cancer.
Repeat every 3-10 years depending on the findings
Virtual Colonoscopy
Cologuard
Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT)
If you are over age 45, have family history of colorectal cancer, or any of the symptoms of colorectal cancer please consult with your primary care provider. If you do not have a primary care provider and want to schedule an appointment for a screening colonoscopy, please call the number below. If you need a primary care doctor can you click the button to schedule an appointment now.
At Care New England we are committed to a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We care about your colon health and want to make sure we provide care to you in a safe, comfortable, and respectful environment. Help us beat COLON CANCER. Get screened today!
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All of the photos in the Gender Spectrum Collection were taken by Zackary Drucker. This is part of The Gender Spectrum Collection.
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