Colorectal Cancer: A Growing Concern Among Black and Brown Patients Under 50 Years Old

New York, United States United States of America
Colorectal cancer is a type of cancer that affects the colon or rectum.
In recent years, there has been an increase in colorectal cancer incidence among Black and brown patients under 50 years old.
It is one of the most common types of cancers in both men and women, with colorectal cancer being the third most common cause worldwide, accounting for approximately 10% of all cancer cases.
Colorectal Cancer: A Growing Concern Among Black and Brown Patients Under 50 Years Old

Colorectal cancer is a type of cancer that affects the colon or rectum. It is one of the most common types of cancers in both men and women, with colorectal cancer being the third most common cause worldwide, accounting for approximately 10% of all cancer cases. In recent years, there has been an increase in colorectal cancer incidence among Black and brown patients under 50 years old. This is particularly concerning as it increases the risk of early death in African-American men and women.

One reason for this may be that many Black people have a history of mistrusting doctors, which can lead to delayed diagnosis or not seeking medical attention when experiencing symptoms such as stomach issues or problems going to the bathroom. It is important for patients like him (Louis E. Moore) and others who experience these types of symptoms to see a doctor immediately and get screened with a colonoscopy recommended for all people 45 years old and older.

Dr. Spencer lost her mother to colorectal cancer when she was just 8 years old, which has influenced her passion for fighting against this disease. She is now working as a gastroenterologist at NYU Langone in New York City.



Confidence

90%

Doubts
  • It would be helpful to include more specific statistics on the increase in colorectal cancer incidence among Black and brown patients under 50 years old.

Sources

66%

  • Unique Points
    • Colon cancer is now the leading cause of cancer death in US men under 50 and the second deadliest cancer for women of the same age.
    • Rates of colon-cancer have been rising in younger people since the '90s, according to American Cancer Society.
    • Being obese, having type two diabetes, and smoking are all associated with a greater risk of developing colon cancer.
  • Accuracy
    No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
  • Deception (30%)
    The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, the title implies that Dr. Michael Shusterman has found a way to prevent colon cancer completely when in fact he only provides three simple things that could lower his risk of developing it.
    • Dr. Michael Shusterman does these three easy things to help lower his risk.
  • Fallacies (75%)
    The article contains several examples of informal fallacies. The author uses an appeal to authority by stating that certain lifestyle factors can help reduce the risk of developing colon cancer without providing any evidence or citing a source for this claim. Additionally, the author makes a false dilemma when he states that being obese and having type two diabetes are associated with a greater risk of colon cancer but do not directly necessarily lead to it. The author also uses an appeal to emotion by stating that making big lifestyle changes can be hard and struggles with this himself.
    • The article contains several examples of informal fallacies.
  • Bias (85%)
    The author of the article is a doctor who specializes in treating colon cancer. The author provides three simple lifestyle changes that they have implemented to lower their risk of developing the disease. These lifestyle choices are not necessarily directly linked to an increased risk of colon cancer but rather associated with it through research and expert opinions. The examples provided by the author demonstrate a bias towards providing solutions for preventing colon cancer, which may be seen as promoting or endorsing certain products or practices.
    • Eating less red meat
      • Eating more tree nuts
        • Taking vitamin D supplements
        • Site Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication

        74%

        • Unique Points
          • Colon cancer is now the leading cause of cancer death in US men under 50 and the second deadliest cancer for women of the same age.
          • Rates of colon-cancer cases have been rising among younger people since the '90s, according to American Cancer Society.
          • Being obese, having type two diabetes, smoking are all associated with a greater risk of developing colon cancer but they don't directly lead to it.
        • Accuracy
          No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
        • Deception (50%)
          The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, the title implies that there are simple things anyone can do to prevent colon cancer when in fact it only provides examples of lifestyle changes that Dr. Shusterman has made for himself and recommends his patients make as well.
          • The article claims that there is mixed data regarding the association between tree nuts and a reduced risk of developing colon cancer.
          • The article states that Dr. Shusterman typically recommends that patients quit smoking; cut down on alcohol; do some moderate-intensity exercise; eat more fiber and less red meat; and avoid ultra-processed foods as much as possible, yet it only provides examples of three simple changes he has made to help prevent colon cancer.
          • . The article claims that being obese, having type two diabetes, and smoking are all associated with a greater risk of colon cancer but does not directly link them to the disease itself.
        • Fallacies (75%)
          The article contains several examples of informal fallacies. The author uses an appeal to authority by stating that Dr. Michael Shusterman is a gastrointestinal oncologist and his recommendations should be taken into consideration. However, the author does not provide any evidence or research to support these claims.
          • The article contains several examples of informal fallacies.
        • Bias (80%)
          The article contains examples of religious bias and monetary bias. The author uses language that dehumanizes people who smoke or eat red meat, implying they are making a choice to harm themselves rather than being victims of circumstance. Additionally, the author mentions his own struggles with finding time to make lifestyle changes despite recognizing their importance in preventing colon cancer.
          • The article uses language that dehumanizes people who smoke or eat red meat
            • The author mentions his own struggles with finding time to make lifestyle changes
            • Site Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
              Kim Schewitz has a conflict of interest on the topic of colon cancer prevention as she is an oncologist at NYU Langone's Perlmutter Cancer Center and also promotes vitamin D supplements which may be linked to increased risk of colorectal cancer.
              • Kim Schewitz, an oncologist at NYU Langone’s Perlmutter Cancer Center, recommends that people take a daily dose of 1000-2000 IUs (international units) to prevent colon cancer. However, some studies suggest that high levels of vitamin D may increase the risk of colorectal cancer.
                • Kim Schewitz is an oncologist at NYU Langone’s Perlmutter Cancer Center and also promotes a low-carbohydrate diet for preventing colon cancer. However, some studies suggest that a high-fiber diet may be more effective in reducing the risk of colorectal cancer.
                • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
                  None Found At Time Of Publication

                66%

                • Unique Points
                  • Colorectal cancer is the third most common cause worldwide, accounting for approximately 10% of all cancer cases.
                  • Patients under 50 have seen an increase in colorectal cancer incidence. The age for routine screening has been lowered to 45.
                  • Dana Saunders changed his lifestyle after a stage two colon cancer diagnosis and is now cancer-free.
                • Accuracy
                  No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
                • Deception (50%)
                  The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, the author claims that colorectal cancer incidence has gone down overall but fails to mention that this decline is due to screening and not lifestyle changes or dietary habits as they suggest. Secondly, the author uses anecdotal evidence from one patient who changed their lifestyle after a diagnosis without providing any scientific evidence to support this claim. Lastly, the article does not disclose sources for some of its statements.
                  • The decline in colorectal cancer incidence is due to screening and not lifestyle changes or dietary habits as they suggest.
                • Fallacies (70%)
                  The article contains several fallacies. The author uses an appeal to authority when stating that colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer worldwide and accounts for approximately 10% of all cancer cases without providing any evidence or citation. Additionally, the author makes a false dilemma by suggesting that patients under 50 have seen their incidence increase while not mentioning other factors such as lifestyle choices that may contribute to this increase. The article also contains inflammatory rhetoric when describing the devastation of cancer on families without providing any evidence or statistics. Finally, the author uses a slippery slope fallacy by suggesting that early detection and being aware of changes in your body are key to preventing colorectal cancer.
                  • The World Health Organization states that “colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer worldwide, accounting for approximately 10% of all cancer cases.”
                  • Dr. Ronald Charles says patients under 50 have seen their incidence increase.
                  • ✴The education part✼ I tell my friends, I tell anybody that I can to tell them about the colon cancer that I had and what to do to try to prevent it.✼
                  • Dana Saunders says “I changed my diet, became vegan right away, cut everything out,”
                • Bias (70%)
                  The article contains examples of religious bias and monetary bias. The author uses language that dehumanizes those who do not follow a certain dietary lifestyle, implying that they are responsible for their cancer diagnosis. Additionally, the author mentions the cost of colonoscopies as an obstacle to early detection and prevention for some individuals.
                  • Dr. Ronald Charles said family history can be a factor.
                  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
                    Tiffany Tarpley has a conflict of interest on the topic of colorectal cancer as she is an employee at University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center in the Colorectal Surgery Department. She also reports on Dr. Ronald Charles who works at this center.
                    • Tiffany Tarpley writes,
                    • Author Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
                      The author has a conflict of interest on the topic of colorectal cancer as they are an employee at University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center in the Colorectal Surgery Department. The article also mentions Dr. Ronald Charles and Dana Saunders who work at this center, which could further indicate a potential conflict.
                      • The author is employed by University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center in the Colorectal Surgery Department.

                      76%

                      • Unique Points
                        • Colorectal cancer is the third most common cause of early death in African-American men and women.
                        • , Black and brown patients getting colorectal cancer at younger ages.
                        • Patients like him can save their own lives by seeing a doctor the minute they feel stomach issues or problems going to the bathroom, and by getting screened, which means getting a colonoscopy recommended for all people 45 and older.
                        • Dr. Spencer lost her mother to colorectal cancer when she was just 8 years old.
                        • The best defense is a colonoscopy as it also has the benefit of being able to remove pre-cancerous polyps at the time of procedure.
                        • According to studies by Harvard Medical School, obesity, inactivity, bad diets with too much animal fat and not enough fruits and vegetables are all contributing factors.
                        • Moore's been a vegetarian for years now: 20-25 pounds lost weight and exercise more.
                      • Accuracy
                        • <Black and brown patients getting colorectal cancer at younger ages.>
                        • According to studies by Harvard Medical School, obesity, inactivity, bad diets with too much animal fat and not enough fruits and vegetables are all contributing factors.
                        • <Moore's been a vegetarian for years now: 20-25 pounds lost weight and exercise more.
                      • Deception (30%)
                        The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, it implies that colorectal cancer is the third most common cause of early death for African-American men and women when in fact it's not. According to the American Cancer Society, lung cancer is actually the leading cause of cancer deaths among Black people. Secondly, while Louis E Moore shares his personal experience with colonoscopy and how it saved his life, he also makes a generalization that all patients who ignore their symptoms will regret it later on which is not true as some may have other health conditions or reasons for ignoring their symptoms. Lastly, the article suggests that an at-home test kit can be used to detect colorectal cancer when in fact these tests are only recommended for people with a higher risk of developing the disease and should not replace regular colonoscopies.
                        • The article suggests that an at-home test kit can be used to detect colorectal cancer when in fact these tests are only recommended for people with a higher risk of developing the disease and should not replace regular colonoscopies.
                        • Louis E Moore makes a generalization that all patients who ignore their symptoms will regret it later on which is not true as some may have other health conditions or reasons for ignoring their symptoms.
                        • The article implies that colorectal cancer is the third most common cause of early death for African-American men and women, but according to the American Cancer Society, lung cancer is actually the leading cause.
                      • Fallacies (85%)
                        The article contains several fallacies. The author uses an appeal to authority by citing statistics and quotes from medical professionals without providing any context or evidence for their claims. Additionally, the author presents a dichotomous depiction of colorectal cancer in African-American men and women as being more common than other causes of early death, which oversimplifies complex health issues. The article also contains inflammatory rhetoric by emphasizing the urgency and importance of getting screened for colorectal cancer.
                        • The author uses an appeal to authority when they cite statistics about colorectal cancer being the third most common cause of early death in African-American men and women. However, these statistics are not provided with any context or evidence to support their claim.
                      • Bias (85%)
                        The article is biased towards the importance of getting screened for colorectal cancer. The author uses personal anecdotes to emphasize the benefits of screening and ignores any potential drawbacks or risks associated with it.
                        • Dr. Spencer lost her mother to colorectal cancer when she was just 8 years old. Her search for compassionate help and a cure sent her to medical school.<br> > The best defense is a colonoscopy.<br> > It also has the benefit of being able to remove pre-cancerous polyps at the time of procedure.
                          • > In fact, colorectal cancer is the third most common cause of early death in African-American men and women.<br> > Patients like him can save their own lives by seeing a doctor the minute they feel stomach issues or problems going to the bathroom, and by getting screened.
                          • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
                            None Found At Time Of Publication
                          • Author Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
                            None Found At Time Of Publication

                          68%

                          • Unique Points
                            • Actor loses bet, agrees to get colonoscopy on camera
                            • Colon cancer may seem like a distant concern for some, but with the growing trend of younger people being diagnosed, staying informed and proactive is crucial.
                            • Most people should start screening with colonoscopies by age 45.
                          • Accuracy
                            • Rates of colon-cancer cases have been rising among younger people since the '90s, according to American Cancer Society.
                            • Being obese, having type two diabetes, smoking are all associated with a greater risk of developing colon cancer but they don't directly lead to it.
                          • Deception (50%)
                            The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, the author claims that colon cancer may seem like a distant concern for some people but it's not true as more young people are being diagnosed with this disease every year. Secondly, the author uses anecdotes to promote early screening and preventative measures which can be misleading as not everyone needs an early colonoscopy. Thirdly, the article mentions a new blood-based screening test for colon cancer but it's important to note that this is still in development and has not been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration yet.
                            • The author states that 'a new blood-based screening test for colon cancer boasted an 83% effectiveness in detecting the disease, according to a study published March 13 in The New England Journal of Medicine.' However, this is still in development and has not been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration yet.
                            • The article mentions anecdotes to promote early screening and preventative measures which can be misleading as not everyone needs an early colonoscopy.
                            • The author claims that 'colon cancer may seem like a distant concern for some people, but with the growing trend of younger people being diagnosed, staying informed and proactive is crucial.' This statement is misleading as more young people are being diagnosed with colon cancer every year.
                          • Fallacies (75%)
                            None Found At Time Of Publication
                          • Bias (85%)
                            The article contains examples of religious bias and monetary bias. The author uses the phrase 'my friend's memory always on my mind' to emphasize the importance of early detection for colon cancer, which may be seen as a form of religious devotion or spirituality. Additionally, the mention that most people should start screening with colonoscopies by age 45 and that some need to start earlier than 45 is likely influenced by monetary considerations such as healthcare costs.
                            • most people should start screening with colonoscopies by age 45
                              • my friend's memory always on my mind
                              • Site Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
                                None Found At Time Of Publication
                              • Author Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
                                Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt has a conflict of interest on the topic of colon cancer as he is a urologist and robotic surgeon with Orlando Health and past president of the Florida Urological Society.
                                • [CNN Editor's note: Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt is a urologist and robotic surgeon with Orlando Health...]
                                  • Colonoscopy
                                    • [Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt]