Colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. Disease risk increases with age, but those of certain ethnic backgrounds are being diagnosed with the condition at younger ages than ever before, say authors of a new study from the University of Missouri School of Medicine.
Colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. Disease risk increases with age, but those of certain ethnic backgrounds are being diagnosed with the condition at younger ages than ever before, say authors of a new study from the University of Missouri School of Medicine.
On average, African-Americans, Hispanics and Pacific Islanders were diagnosed between the ages of 64 and 68, while whites were typically diagnosed at age 72, according to the study. When diagnosed, minority groups also had more advanced stages of cancer.
Researchers suggested that lower screening rates and lower income levels were two factors leading to the detection rates varying among cultures.
Dr. Sakie Hussain, a medical director of the endoscopy center at Advocate Trinity Hospital in Chicago, is adamant about early detection. Colon cancer is 100 percent preventable and he doesn’t see why anyone should ever have to die from the disease.
