However, the decline in incidence and mortality occurred much more slowly for the African-American population. African Americans tend to have the highest mortality rates and lowest survival rates when compared to all other racial groups.
Colorectal cancer rates are 25 percent higher and death rates are 50 percent higher in African Americans than Caucasians. African Americans are also more likely to be diagnosed at an advanced stage of the disease.
These findings have been associated with lower screening rates in minorities, later disease stage at presentation and reduced access to health care.
The average lifetime risk of developing colon cancer is about one in 20 (5). The exact cause of colon and rectal cancer is unknown but there are several risk factors that are thought to be associated with its development.
The question that often arises is who should be screened and when?
Genetics, age over 50 years, family history of colon cancer and colon polyps, obesity, sedentary lifestyle and smoking are some of the risk factors identified. Diets high in red meat and fat and low in fiber, calcium and folate have also been thought to be linked to the development of colon cancer.