Racial differences of colorectal cancer in a single institution in Northeast Louisiana primarily serving the underserved population

Abstract

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening has helped decrease the incidence of CRC in the last two decades. Still African Americans share a higher burden of CRC disease in the United States in comparison to Caucasians.

Objective: To study racial differences of colorectal cancer in low income patients.

Methods: Retrospective chart review of all admitted patients with a diagnosis of CRC was done by the lead author over a period of eight months.

Results: This study, drawn from a poor, diverse population of Louisiana residents suggests socioeconomic factors may explain observed differences in CRC rates between African Americans and Caucasians.

Conclusion: Large scale surveillance studies that address social determinants of CRC are needed to further explore this association.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hren.v10i1.5998

HREN 2012; 10(1): 5-7