March 25, 2025 Story by: Publisher
Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) introduced a resolution recognizing the devastating impact of colorectal cancer (CRC) on the Black community and emphasizing the need for further research on screening guidelines.
Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer among men and women in the United States and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths, claiming over 50,000 lives annually. Black men have a 20% higher incidence rate of CRC compared to white men, while Black women experience a 14% higher rate than their white counterparts. Additionally, the mortality rate is 40% higher among Black men and 25% higher among Black women, making CRC the third-leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the Black community.
Call for Early Screenings
“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 urgency of addressing CRC in the Black community has grown, as deaths from the disease among individuals younger than 55 increased by 1% annually between 2008 and 2017. This issue gained national attention following the 2020 death of actor Chadwick Boseman at age 43 from CRC.
Currently, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends routine CRC screenings beginning at age 45, influencing when insurance providers cover the costs. Given the rising number of CRC cases in younger individuals—particularly in the Black community—this resolution highlights the need for expanded research on screening guidelines.
Support from Health Organizations
“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 are 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.”
Molly McDonnell, Vice President of Advocacy for Fight Colorectal Cancer, also expressed support, stating, “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. 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.”
Dr. Amy S. Oxentenko, MD, FACG, President of the American College of Gastroenterology, highlighted the ongoing racial disparities in CRC prevention and treatment. “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. ACG members are unwavering in our commitment to reducing barriers in care and addressing these disparities because we know that early detection saves lives.”
Congressional and Organizational Support
The resolution is cosponsored by Representatives 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).
It has also received endorsements from key health organizations, including the Colorectal Cancer Alliance, Colorectal Cancer Coalition, American College of Gastroenterology, American Gastroenterological Association, and Fight Colorectal Cancer.
This resolution aims to raise awareness and push for policy changes to improve early detection and treatment, ultimately reducing the disparities in CRC outcomes among Black Americans.
Source: Bonnie Watson Coleman
