The Facts about Colon Cancer and African Americans

Colon cancer is the third leading cancer killer in African Americans. Death rates from colon cancer are about 30% higher in African Americans than in whites.

According to the American Cancer Society, one reason death rates from colon cancer are higher in African Americans is that they are not being screened for the disease as often as other populations.

The ACS recommends that beginning at age 45, African-American men and women should follow one of the three screening options: yearly fecal occult blood tests plus flexible sigmoidoscopy every five years, or colonoscopy every 10 years, or double contrast barium enema every five to 10 years.

Screening tests can find polyps, which are tiny growths that can become cancerous. Removing polyps early can prevent cancer. Other ways to help reduce your risk include: eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables and whole grains; eating a low-fat diet; not using tobacco products; and exercising regularly.

COLON CANCER AWARENESS

In March, which is designated as Colon Cancer Awareness Month, the Center for African-American Health conducts an outreach campaign targeting African Americans with the message that getting screened can prevent colon cancer.

On Colon Cancer Awareness Sunday, the Center distributes culturally appropriate information about the disease to the pastors of 150 black churches in the Denver area. The Center also features prominent black community leaders as spokespersons in print and radio advertising.

A grant from the U.S. Office of Minority Health supports this work.

For information on colon cancer screenings, call the Center at 303-355-3423.

Learn More

Brochure by the Center for African-American Health, "You Can Prevent Colon Cancer: Get Screened"

Information Kit for Churches
Talking points
Church bulletin ad
Colon cancer awareness postcard

Listen to radio spot featuring Haven Moses: Colon Cancer Radio Advertisement
(please note - you will need a media player with the capabilities of playing .mp3 files to listen to this promotion)

Additional Resources

Colorado Colorectal Screening Program
www.uch.edu/for-healthcare-professional/cancer-center/education/community/ccsp/index.aspx

Mayo Clinic
www.mayoclinic.com

Colon Cancer Alliance
www.ccalliance.org

Colorectal Cancer Coalition
www.fightcolorectalcancer.org

Women's Only Colonoscopy Clinic University of Colorado Hospital
www.uch.edu/abo9ut/news/2009/women-onl-colonoscopy-cl.aspx

Undy 5000 Denver Run to fight Colon Cancer June 25, 2011
www.undy5000.org