Colorectal Cancer Disparities Persist in Black Communities Due to Social Determinants and Access Issues

Colorectal cancer remains a significant health issue in the United States, with Black communities disproportionately affected due to a range of social determinants and access issues. Despite being one of the most preventable and treatable cancers, the incidence and mortality rates for Black individuals are about 20% and 30% higher than those for White individuals, respectively. A recent review co-led by Dr. Folasade May, a gastroenterologist and cancer prevention researcher at UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, sheds light on the reasons behind these disparities and highlights potential solutions.

Key Takeaways:

• The incidence and mortality rates of colorectal cancer are 20% and 30% higher, respectively, in Black individuals compared to White individuals, highlighting a significant racial health disparity.
• Social determinants of health, such as access to healthcare, socioeconomic conditions, and systemic inequities, are major contributors to the disparity in colorectal cancer outcomes among Black Americans.
• Lifestyle and environmental risk factors, such as obesity, lack of access to healthy foods, and low vitamin D levels, contribute to the increased risk of colorectal cancer in Black individuals.
• Limited access to care, financial barriers, transportation issues, and mistrust of the medical system lead to lower screening rates among Black individuals.
• Structural racism affects the quality of care available in different neighborhoods and healthcare settings, further exacerbating the disparities in colorectal cancer outcomes.
• Proven strategies to close the gap in colorectal cancer outcomes include culturally tailored education, patient navigation programs, the Affordable Care Act, and health system changes such as automated screening reminders.
• Eliminating differences in coverage policy or access to care can help address screening disparities, as seen in the Veterans Health Administration.
• A two-pronged approach is necessary to eliminate inequities in colorectal cancer outcomes, including ensuring coverage and access to screening and treatment, and addressing long-term adverse social determinants of health.

Statistics:

• Incidence rate of colorectal cancer in Black individuals is 20% higher than in White individuals (Source: UCLA Health System)
• Mortality rate of colorectal cancer in Black individuals is 30% higher than in White individuals (Source: UCLA Health System)
• 80% of cancers can be prevented through screening (Source: American Cancer Society)
• Patient navigation programs can increase screening rates among minority populations by up to 30% (Source: National Cancer Institute)
• Communities that provide equal access to all eligible users, like the Veterans Health Administration, experience no racial disparities in screening (Source: UCLA Health System)

Sources:

• UCLA Health System: Researchers outline how screening, equity and policy can save more lives from colorectal cancer (July 24, 2025)
• Nature Reviews Gastroenterology and Hepatology: "Addressing Racial Disparities in Colorectal Cancer" (2025)
• American Cancer Society: Cancer Facts & Figures 2022