Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Colorectal Cancer Screening and Outcomes

Abstract

Colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence and mortality vary by race and ethnicity in the United States, with the highest burden of disease among Black and American Indian/Alaska Native individuals. There are multiple contributors to these disparities, including lifestyle and environmental risk factors that result from adverse social determinants of health and are more prevalent in minority and medically underserved communities. In addition, participation in CRC screening, which is demonstrated to reduce CRC-related mortality, is lower in all racial/ethnic minority groups than for White individuals. Evidence-based efforts to reduce CRC disparities aim to increase screening uptake via multicomponent and culturally tailored interventions.

Keywords: Health equity; Prevention; Social determinants of health.