Black Americans and those with lower socioeconomic status who have Type 2 diabetes face increased risk factors for colorectal cancer, according to a new study from University of Wisconsin researchers. The findings highlight ongoing racial disparities in cancer research and treatment.
The study, co-authored by UW assistant professor Shaneda Warren Andersen, specifically included marginalized groups often excluded from medical research. It found that preventative screenings can help mitigate increased colorectal cancer risk for those with diabetes.
“Because most of that [cancer] research takes place in white samples, we wanted to see if this association also existed in the southern community cohort, which is a majority black and low-income population,” said UW PhD candidate Zoe Walts, a study co-author.
Researchers say increasing diversity in both health professionals and study participants is crucial for addressing inequalities. “It’s important that we do good work [research] and we try to make sure that we answer these questions as best we can so that it can benefit the people that it needs to benefit,” Walts said.
Other UW research has found racial disparities in pancreatic cancer treatment and outcomes. “The reason this is happening all boils down to racism,” said UW assistant professor Dr. Noelle LoConte. “There is no biologic reason that a Black patient should have a worse outcome for pancreatic cancer than a white patient.”
Experts emphasize that increased access to cancer screenings and more diverse healthcare workforces are needed to reduce persistent racial disparities in cancer care and outcomes.
See “Study calls attention to cancer disparities in marginalized communities” (February 9, 2024)
