African Americans have a much worse chance of surviving colorectal cancer that whites.  However, there appear to be reasons beyond race for these differences

After looking at factors including poverty, stage at diagnosis, and treatment received, researchers in Detroit found the differences between races disappeared. Read the rest of this entry »

Although new diagnoses of colon and rectal cancer are decreasing in the United States, the benefit does not reach everyone.

No matter where they lived, incidence of colorectal cancer dropped significantly between 1995 and 2004 for white Americans aged 65 and over, most of whom have Medicare that covers colonoscopy screening.  However, colorectal cancer rates for whites from 50 to 64 did not fall if they lived in rural areas or counties where there was poverty, lack of insurance, or few primary care providers.

African Americans only benefited from reduced incidence if they were over 64 and living in an affluent community. Read the rest of this entry »

In studies reported this week  fewer specialists managing colorectal cancer were found in US counties with large African American populations, older adults with cancer had significantly worse physical and mental health, and palliative sedation at the end of life did not hasten death.

In other headlines, colorectal cancer screening for the uninsured will begin on July 1 in Minnesota, and if screening reveals cancer, treatment will be covered under the Minnesota Medical Assistance program.  The FDA warned consumers not to use Zicam nasal gel or swabs to avoid loss of smell, and doctors advised patients on long-term Xeloda therapy to carry a letter from their oncologist explaining possible loss of fingerprints if they travel internationally. Read the rest of this entry »

Despite more resources in large cities, patients were more often diagnosed with cancer at a late stage in cities in Illinois compared to rural areas. Phone calls and personalized diet and exercise plans helped long-term cancer survivors lose weight and gain strength, and scientists have found changes in the blood of family caregivers that promote inflammation and may lead to illness.

In other headlines, both patients and doctors liked virtual, computer videoconferencing visits, and the FDA reports that shortages of fentanyl patches have been resolved. Read the rest of this entry »

Although both new cancer cases and cancer death rates are declining for both whites and African Americans, incidence and death rates continue to remain higher for blacks in the United States than for whites.  African American men are one-third more likely to die of cancer than whites, black women 16 percent more likely.

While five-year survival for white Americans with colon or rectal cancer is 65 percent, it is only 56 percent for blacks.  Blacks have poorer survival chances at every stage of colorectal cancer, including the earliest stages where cancer has not begun to spread.

Compared to lung, prostate,and breast cancer where the disparity gaps in death rates are narrowing, differences in colorectal cancer mortality are growing. Read the rest of this entry »