Preventing The Most Common Cancers In The Black Community

Colorectal

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The stats

The rates of colorectal cancer are the highest in the Black community. In fact, Black people are 20 percent more likely to develop colorectal cancer and 40 percent more likely to die from it.

Prevention

The good news is that colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable forms of cancer. Through proper lifestyle choices and screening, the risk can remain low, even in the Black community. Here are tips to take towards prevention:

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• Eat a produce-rich, low-meat diet. Diets that are full of fruits and vegetables and low in red meat and processed meat have been linked to a lower risk of colorectal cancer.
• Don’t smoke. While cigarettes are often associated with lung cancer, it’s also been found that smokers have a higher risk of dying from colorectal cancer.
• Limit alcohol consumption. High alcohol consumption has been linked to an increase in colorectal cancer risk. Limit drinks to one per day for women, and two per day for men.
• Get screened. Regular screenings can help detect colorectal cancer early and increase one’s chances of survival of colorectal cancer. Screenings are especially important if you have a history of colorectal cancer in your family.