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Colonoscopy for colorectal cancer screening in African Americans
Olajide O Odelowo1, Mohammad Hoque, Rehana Begum
1Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Howard University Hospital, 2041 Georgia Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C. 20060, USA.
Journal of the Association for Academic Minority Physicians : the Official Publication of the Association for Academic Minority Physicians
|October 5, 2002
Summary
African Americans show a nearly equal distribution of right- and left-sided colorectal adenomas and cancers. Colonoscopy is recommended for screening this population due to its comprehensive visualization.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Oncology
- Public Health
Background:
- Existing research indicates a rise in right-sided colorectal adenomas and cancers.
- African Americans may exhibit an equal or greater prevalence of right-sided colorectal lesions compared to left-sided ones.
- This study specifically examines colorectal polyp and cancer locations in African Americans at Howard University Hospital.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the anatomical distribution of colorectal polyps and cancers in African Americans.
- To determine if there is a predominance of right-sided or left-sided lesions in this demographic.
- To inform screening guidelines for colorectal cancer in African Americans.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review of endoscopic records and tumor registry data.
- Inclusion criteria: self-identified African Americans with polyps or colorectal cancer diagnosed/treated between 1993-1999.
- Lesion location (right-sided, left-sided, both, unspecified) was documented.
Main Results:
- Eight hundred thirty-seven patients had adenomas; 36.3% right-sided, 42% left-sided.
- Three hundred twenty patients had colorectal cancer; 44.2% right-sided, 46.7% left-sided.
- Demonstrated a near equal distribution of right- and left-sided colorectal adenomas and cancers.
Conclusions:
- Colorectal adenomas and cancers are similarly distributed on the right and left sides in African Americans.
- Colonoscopy is a more appropriate screening tool than sigmoidoscopy for average-risk African Americans.
- Findings support comprehensive colonoscopic screening for colorectal cancer in African Americans.