Rep. Watson Coleman Introduces Resolution Calling for Increased Research in Colorectal Cancer
Resolution also recognizes the horrific impact Colorectal Cancer has had on the African American Community.
Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) introduced a resolution acknowledging the horrific impact colorectal cancer has on the Black community and that further research on screening guidelines is needed.
Colorectal Cancer, or CRC, is the third most common cancer in the United States for men and women combined, and it’s the second leading cause of cancer death. On average, CRC takes more than 50,000 lives each year. The rate of CRC is 20% higher among Black men and 14% higher among Black women compared to white men and women. Regarding the rate of CRC death, it is 40% higher among Black men and 25% higher among Black women. It is the third-leading cause of cancer death in Black men and women in the U.S.
“While Colorectal Cancer is a terrible disease that has devastated so many families, it has a 90% survival rate if caught early,” said Rep. Watson Coleman. “Many of those we’ve lost could have been saved if they had access to screenings just a few years earlier. Raising awareness not only of the importance of screenings but the need for early access of screenings can spare so many families the hardships and heartache of lost family members.”
The tragic impact of CRC in the Black community is amplified as deaths from CRC among people younger than 55 have increased by one percent per year from 2008 to 2017. The world became more aware of this severe issue when 43-year-old actor Chadwick Boseman died of CRC in 2020.
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force currently recommends screening at 45, which in turn impacts when insurance companies will cover the screening. Due to the uptick in younger people dying of CRC, especially in the Black community, the resolution cites the need to further expand research.
“Colorectal cancer is claiming too many lives, and we applaud Congresswoman Watson Coleman for bringing attention to this urgent issue,” said Michael Sapienza, CEO of the Colorectal Cancer Alliance. “This disease is preventable and highly treatable when caught early, so we must ensure that everyone has access to life-saving screening at the right time.”
"Colorectal cancer is the second-leading cause of death in the U.S. and certain ethnic and racial groups such as Black individuals are at increased risk," said Maria T. Abreu, President of the American Gastroenterological Association. "It is not enough to treat colorectal cancer – we can prevent it with appropriate screening, especially in Black patients who at increased risk at an earlier age The American Gastroenterological Association celebrates Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman’s work to address this through education and awareness."
“Fight Colorectal Cancer is grateful to Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman for advancing a resolution to raise awareness about the impact of colorectal cancer in the Black community,” said Molly McDonnell, Vice President of Advocacy for Fight Colorectal Cancer. “Colorectal cancer can be prevented if caught early, but unfortunately far too many Americans are not getting screened. It is critical that we support funding for programs such as the CDC’s Colorectal Cancer Control Program that help address these disparities in communities across the country.”
"Although we have made significant progress in preventing colorectal cancer, the persistent racial disparities in screening and survival rates – particularly among Black Americans – reminds us there is still work to be done," said Dr. Amy S. Oxentenko, MD, FACG, President of the American College of Gastroenterology. "ACG members are unwavering in our commitment to reducing barriers in care and addressing these disparities, because we know that early detection saves lives."
The resolution is cosponsored by Reps. Terri Sewell (AL-7), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-At Large), Joyce Beatty (OH-3), Steve Cohen (TN-9), Jahana Hayes (CT-5), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-30), Ayanna Pressley (MA-7), Yvette D. Clarke (NY-9), and Bennie Thompson (MS-2).
The resolution is endorsed by the Colorectal Cancer Alliance, Colorectal Cancer Coalition, American College of Gastroenterology, American Gastroenterological Association, and Fight Colorectal Cancer.
Text of the resolution can be found here.