Health Equity statistics

It is estimated that nearly half of premature colorectal cancer (CRC) deaths nationwide are related to racial/ethnic, socioeconomic, and geographic inequalities that impact CRC screening.1 Data on health inequities and disparities is a key tool for identifying and addressing these barriers in vulnerable populations, thus improving health equity.

Disparities in CRC rates are affected by factors such as race, socioeconomic status, and geography1

Doctor

Studies show that Black individuals with colorectal cancer receive fewer recommendations for interventions such as surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy2

Examples of health obstacles include low income and lack of health insurance, access to healthy foods, quality education, and housing3

Black and African American

  • Black individuals have the second highest rate of CRC mortality compared to all other races and ethnicities4
  • Compared to White individuals and individuals of all races combined, Black individuals are less often diagnosed at stages I and IIa,b and are more often diagnosed at regional and distant stages4
  • 5-year survival among all people diagnosed with CRC at distant stages is 14% vs 91% when diagnosed at stages I or II4,a,b

Hispanic and Latino

  • Cancer is the leading cause of death among Hispanic individuals, accounting for 20% of deaths. Cancer is the second leading cause of death in White individuals5
  • Among Hispanic males, CRC is the second leading cause of new cancers and cancer-related death. Among White men, CRC is the third leading cause of new cancers and cancer-related death5
  • Adherence to CRC screening varies by sex and region or country of origin5
  • Compared to Non-Hispanic White individuals, cancer is less commonly diagnosed at a local or regional stage5

American Indian/Alaska Native

  • American Indian/Alaska Native individuals have a 51% higher risk of cancer death compared to White individuals (this is not specific to CRC)4
  • American Indian/Alaska Native individuals have the highest incidence and are more likely to die of CRC compared to all other races4
  • The rate of incidence among American Indian/Alaska Natives varies by US region6

Incidence of CRC by Race, Ethnicity and Sex in United States from 2015-2019

Incidence of colorectal cancer by race, ethnicity, and sex in United States from 2015-2019. Overall, across both sexes, colorectal cancer incidence is highest among American Indians/Alaska Natives, followed by Non-Hispanic Blacks.

Mortality of CRC by Race, Ethnicity and Sex in United States from 2016-2020

Mortality of colorectal cancer by race, ethnicity, and sex in United States from 2016-2020. Overall, across both sexes, colorectal cancer mortality is highest among American Indians/Alaska Natives, followed by Non-Hispanic Blacks.
  • Both CRC incidence and mortality were highest among American Indian/Alaskan Natives7
  • Incidence and mortality vary widely across populations7

Related Topics

Footnotes

  1. Based on people with CRC diagnosed between 2013 and 2019.
  2. Per American Joint Committee on Cancer’s (AJCC) staging system: Localized = stage I, IIa, IIb. Regional = stage IIc and III. Distant = stage IV.8

List of definitions

AJCC: American Joint Committee on Cancer; CRC: colorectal cancer; US: United States.

References

  1. Jemal A, Siegel RL, Ma J, et al. Inequalities in premature death from colorectal cancer by state. J Clin Oncol. 2015;33(8):829-835.
  2. American Cancer Society. Cancer facts & figures for African American/Black People 2022-2024. Accessed May 14, 2024. https://www.cancer.org/content/dam/cancer-org/research/cancer-facts-and-statistics/cancer-facts-and-figures-for-african-americans/2022-2024-cff-aa.pdf
  3. American Cancer Society. Colorectal cancer higher in African Americans, rising in younger people. Accessed May 14, 2024. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/latest-news/colorectal-cancer-rates-higher-in-african-americans-rising-in-younger-people.html
  4. Siegel RL, Giaquinto AN, Jemal A. Cancer statistics, 2024. CA Cancer J Clin. 2024;74:12-49.
  5. American Cancer Society. Cancer facts & figures for Hispanics/Latinos 2021-2023. Accessed May 14, 2024. www.cancer.org/content/dam/cancer-org/research/cancer-facts-and-statistics/cancer-facts-and-figures-for-hispanics-and-latinos/hispanic-latino-2021-2023-cancer-facts-and-figures.pdf
  6. Melkonian SC, Weir HK, Jim MA, et al. Incidence of and trends in the leading cancers with elevated incidence among American Indian and Alaska Native populations, 2012-2016. Am J Epidemiol. 2021;190(4):528-538.
  7. Siegel RL, Miller KD, Wagle NS, et al. Colorectal cancer statistics, 2023. CA Cancer J Clin. 2023;73(3):233-254.
  8. American Cancer Society. Colorectal cancer stages Accessed May 14, 2024. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/colon-rectal-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/staged.html#how-is-the-stage-determined