Many cases of colorectal cancer which could have been prevented or cured with proper treatment instead lead to premature deaths. The American Cancer Society reported on Nov. 11, 2014 half of premature colorectal cancer deaths are due to socioeconomic inequality. These deaths from colorectal cancer in people between 25 to 64 years old are linked to ethnic, socioeconomic, and geographic inequalities in the United States.
According to a new study by American Cancer Society researchers these premature deaths from colorectal cancer could therefore be prevented. In the study more preventable deaths were seen to occur in southern states than in northern and western states. However, in just about all states those people with the least education had significantly higher colorectal cancer death rates.
Colorectal cancer has been cited as being the third leading cause of cancer death for both men and women in the United States. Decades ago death rates were observed to be higher in those people with higher socioeconomic status, in whites, and in the northern states. However, over the last few decades this has all turned around with death rates now highest in people with the lowest socioeconomic status, in blacks, and in southern states. It appears this shift may be due to access to better early detection and treatment.
There are complex multifactorial factors which contribute to colorectal cancer disparities. Variations in income, education, insurance status, and geographic residence results in inequalities in the prevalence of colorectal cancer. Access to screening and treatment services are also important factors. Colorectal cancer risk is increased with obesity, cigarette smoking, and red meat consumption and decreased with physical activity and anti-inflammatory drug use.
This study has been published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology. Disparities in colorectal cancer with regard to race, socioeconomic status, and geography have been well documented. However, the extent to which these factors contribute to premature death as a result of colorectal cancer nationwide has not been clear. This study concluded that many of the premature deaths from colorectal cancer are due to racial/ethnic, socioeconomic, and geographic inequalities. This study gives support to the justifiably outspoken position of the poor that poverty is very painful and is a real killer.
Credit : Dr. Rupin Shah (Consultant Urologist 33Years of Experience)
