(Washington, D.C., Thursday, March 11, 2021) – Women younger than 50 living in certain “hotspots” like Washington D.C., have a greater risk of dying from Colorectal Cancer.
A study published by the American College of Gastroenterology finds that women diagnosed with early-onset colorectal cancer have a greater risk of dying from the disease depending upon their county of residence. The study is the first to define specific geographic areas in the United States where women diagnosed with colorectal cancer before age 50 have higher mortality rates. (SOURCE: Holowatyj, et al., Clinical and Translational Gastroenterol. 2020;11:e00266.) March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Even during COVID-19, Colorectal Cancer screening is essential and should not be delayed. Colorectal Cancer is one of the most preventable types of cancer.
Delays in preventive colorectal cancer screenings dropped abruptly by approximately 86% with the declaration of the national COVID-19 Public Health Emergency last March, based on data from electronic health records. While screenings have begun to rise since then, they have not reached previously expected levels. Due to delayed or missed screening, some colorectal cancer cases could be diagnosed at a later stage with a poorer prognosis. Screening delays mean doctors may find more advanced cancers when they are finally detected, increasing the risk of death.
Physical inactivity and fertility may be factors contributing to this geographic variation in survival among young women with colorectal cancer since those community health behaviors modestly correlated with hot spot residence. Nearly one quarter of adults living in hot spot counties reported no physical activity during their leisure time.
Non-Hispanic Black individuals comprised on average 19% of the population in hot spot counties.
The American College of Gastroenterology is the preeminent professional organization that champions the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of digestive disorders, serving as a beacon to guide the delivery of the highest quality, compassionate, and evidence-based patient care. For more information on colorectal cancer screening, visit gi.org/ColonCancer.