Colorectal Cancer Rates Higher in African Americans, Rising in Younger People

Colorectal cancer also disproportionately affects the Black community, where the rates are the highest of any racial/ethnic group in the US. African Americans are about 20% more likely to get colorectal cancer and about 40% more likely to die from it than most other groups.

The reasons for the differences are complex, but they largely reflect differences in risk factors and in health care access, both of which are related to socioeconomic status. In fact, African Americans are disproportionately burdened by cancer in general. They often experience greater obstacles to cancer prevention, detection, treatment, and survival, including systemic racial disparities that are complex and go beyond the obvious connection to cancer. These obstacles can include lower paying jobs and lack of (or less comprehensive) health insurance, lack of access to healthy and affordable foods, low-quality education and housing, and unsafe environments. 

"Colorectal cancer is the second deadliest cancer in the country," said Durado Brooks, M.D. vice president of prevention and early detection at the American Cancer Society. "This disease is ravaging the Black community, and it is as important as ever that everyone has access to and is receiving the recommended screenings. Even during the coronavirus pandemic, necessary screening tests remain available to prevent the disease or find it at an early, more treatable stage."

Know the possible symptoms of colorectal cancer

The American Cancer Society doesn’t recommend starting screening before age 45 for most people, largely because the benefits aren’t likely to outweigh the possible downsides. But it’s still important to be aware of possible symptoms of colorectal cancer, no matter what your age. The most common symptoms of colorectal cancer include:

  • A change in bowel habits, such as diarrhea, constipation, or narrowing of the stool, that lasts for more than a few days

  • A feeling that you need to have a bowel movement that's not relieved by having one

  • Rectal bleeding

  • Blood in the stool, which might make the stool look dark brown or black

  • Cramping or pain in the abdomen (belly)

  • Feeling tired or weak

  • Losing weight without trying

Many of these symptoms can also be caused by other conditions. But if you have any of them, especially if they last for more than a few days or are getting worse, it’s important to have them checked out by a doctor as soon as possible so the cause can be found and treated, if needed.

For more information about colorectal cancer, visit our Colorectal Cancer pages.

Provided by American Cancer Society 2022