Oncology

African American Women and Colon Cancer

“I am here to show you that there is life after colon cancer, and it is something that can be easily detected and treated,” says Verna Cox.

56 year old Verna Cox says it’s a testament to her competitive spirit, that she wasn’t going to let colon cancer win. Verna beat two bouts of cancer over the last seven years, and she is now making it her life’s mission to educate and empower other women about the disease. “I am miss colon cancer, I call all my friends and try and encourage them to have a colonoscopy. I really believe in it, if it is early detected you can treat it and be fine,” says Verna.

And, as new research has shown, more African American women need to take Verna’s lead. According to a recent survey conducted by the national women’s health resource center and the black women’s health imperative, despite having the greatest risk of developing and dying from colorectal cancer of any gender, race or ethnicity, an astounding 96 percent of African American women do not consider themselves to be at high risk for the disease.

“In African Americans we recommend screening to be five years earlier than other ethnic groups, so, at age forty-five rather than fifty, these are young patients who feel no abnormalities, they have their careers, their families and other activities, so if you are feeling good and have no symptoms screening gets a low rating on the things to do today,” says Dr. Edith P. Mitchell of Thomas Jefferson University.

The survey also revealed that 70 percent of African American women over the age of 45 are not getting screened. This comes just one year after the American college of gastroenterology issued updated guidelines for African Americans to begin getting colonoscopies at age 45…clearly the message has not penetrated. In response, the “African American Women Dare to Be Aware” campaign has been launched.

“We would like to reach every single black woman in the united states so that they can be aware one, of the disease, of the increased incidence of colorectal cancer in African Americans, and then the benefits of screening where we can prevent the disease in some cases and diagnosis at an early stage,” says Dr. Mitchell.

Dr. Mitchell says there are many theories that try to explain the disparity in screening habits for African Americans, ranging from health care access, to socioeconomic factors, to cultural beliefs, to inadequate patient education. She also believes more research needs to be conducted examining the role of genetics, diet and environment.

“My message for every person, and especially African American women over the age of forty-five, is not to fear the unknown, a colonoscopy is not a bad procedure, it is really worthwhile knowing and being treated.”

The “African American Women Dare to be Aware” has a website chock full of information and tools to help women take action…that web address is www.blackwomenshealth.org.

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