Colorectal Cancer Equity Foundation

Allow us to reintroduce ourselves!   About 3.5 years ago, the Colorectal Cancer Equity Foundation became a 501(c)(3) non-profit with a simple but important mission: to fight for equal access to colorectal cancer (CRC) care for African American men and other underserved communities.   No matter where people live, work, worship, or play, we are here to ensure they have the knowledge, screenings, and support needed to prevent and beat this disease. We remain dedicated to breaking down CRC-related barriers, so everyone has a fair shot at good health and a brighter future.   Here’s a look at 7 of our wins from the last 366 days: [1] Free CRC Screenings: In 2023 and 2024, we offered free stool-based CRC tests to people aged 18 to 75 in Massachusetts, Wisconsin, and Minnesota, as early-onset CRC continues to rise globally and has become a pressing public health issue. [2] National CRC Awareness Month: In January 2024, we partnered with 33 organizations to successfully advocate for March 2024 to be designated as CRC Awareness Month. We’re grateful for the support of President Joe Biden, First Lady Jill Biden, and Vice President Kamala Harris in the fight against CRC. [3] Supporting Early Detection: We donated over $45,000 and teamed up with Fight Colorectal Cancer and the Colorectal Cancer Alliance to support screening programs for Black Americans and raise national awareness during CRC Awareness Month. [4] Research Impact: We supported the drafting, editing, submission, and publication of 12 peer-reviewed research articles in 2024, driving forward the conversation on CRC. [5] Empowering Leaders: From March to April 2024, we awarded over $10,000 in scholarships to CRC advocates and academic leaders, allowing them to attend key conferences and amplify our mission of promoting CRC justice for all. [6] Joining National Efforts: We were honored to join the American Cancer Society’s National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable (NCCRT) in April 2024, working with leading organizations to boost CRC screening rates and improve health outcomes. [7] Engaging Communities: We continue to champion CRC equity and provide education through our growing social media presence, engaging thousands of followers across Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn.   We are grateful for your support and look forward to creating even greater impact together. Let’s keep pushing forward for CRC justice and health equity!

#AboutLastNight What an incredible experience to make a quick trip to Philly yesterday to accept a 2024 SCOPY (Service Award for Colorectal Cancer Outreach, Prevention & Year-Round Excellence) Award! My team at the Men’s Health Inequities Research Lab, along with our dedicated partners, received the SCOPY Putting CRC Screening to The Test Award for Best Clinical Trial of a Community-Based Mass Media Campaign. With #ColorectalCancer projected to become the leading cause of cancer deaths in people under age 50 by 2030, our #CRCandMe study aimed to spread awareness of this preventable, treatable, & beatable, & disease among 18 to 49-year-olds across Wisconsin and Utah. It was a true honor to accept this award with my inspiring early-onset CRC survivor-advocate teammates, Wenora & Phuong, standing by my side. Their dedication, insights, & hard work have been invaluable to our collective mission. The day was made even sweeter by an unexpected meetup with my brother from another mother, Dr. Brian M. Walton, over great food at the historic Reading Terminal Market! The day was also powerful reminder of the impact that comes from joining forces to confront health inequities. Whether through groundbreaking research, heartfelt advocacy, or shared stories over a meal, we have the power to drive change & create hope. Together, we can make the seemingly impossible possible—one conversation, one campaign, & one community at a time. #ACG2024 #IRL #ColorectalCancerAwareness

The Colorectal Cancer Equity Foundation is deeply saddened by the passing of Rodolfo A. Franklin, known to us all as DJ Clark Kent, at the age of 58 after a courageous three-year journey with colon cancer. Throughout his experience, he continued sharing his incredible talents, inspiring all who knew him. #ColorectalCancer poses a critical health issue in the Black community, where individuals face disproportionately higher diagnosis rates and more severe outcomes. At the Foundation, we are dedicated to changing this reality and working toward a future where everyone has equal access to prevention and care. DJ Clark Kent’s contributions to music were legendary. His influence shaped hip-hop through unforgettable tracks like Jay-Z’s “Brooklyn’s Finest,” Notorious B.I.G.’s “Sky’s the Limit,” and Junior M.A.F.I.A.’s “Player’s Anthem.” Known as “God’s favorite DJ,” his passion for music and his collaborations with top artists like Rakim and Lil’ Kim left a lasting mark on the industry. Beyond his musical impact, Clark’s love for sneakers showcased his creativity. He designed the celebrated “112 Pack” for Nike and collected over 3,500 pairs, sparking inspiration among sneaker enthusiasts everywhere through partnerships with brands like Adidas and New Balance. Clark Kent’s legacy will forever be felt through his music, art, and the countless lives he touched. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends, and the entire hip-hop community during this time. 📸 c/o ROCK THE BELLS #RestInBeats #Legendary #CRCequity

Voting in this election is so important for improving #ColorectalCancer care for everyone! The people we elect make decisions that impact health programs, research funding, and access to screenings that can save lives—especially for underserved communities who often don’t get the care they need. By voting, you’re helping to make sure everyone, no matter their race or income, has a fair chance at early detection and better treatment for colorectal cancer. This election is a chance to push for change and ensure that more resources go toward preventing cancer and making care available to those who need it most. Voting early ensures your voice is heard, and it can help create a healthcare system that works for everyone! Let's come together to support health equity—vote early & make a difference in the fight against cancer! Every vote counts! #VoteForHealthEquity #ColorectalCancerAwareness #EveryVoteMatters #HealthForAll #EarlyDetectionSavesLives #VoteEarly #CancerPrevention #EquityInHealthcare #YourVoteYourVoice #CRCequity

Throughout history, we’ve seen that real innovation doesn’t just come from giving people rewards 🏆; it happens when we create spaces where ideas can connect & grow. 💡🌱 Recently, Exact Sciences & Fight Colorectal Cancer brought together colorectal cancer experts & advocates from all over the country in Madison, WI, for an exciting Innovation Summit. This event was more than just a meeting; it was a chance for change-makers to work together, share ideas, & inspire each other to improve awareness & equity in colorectal cancer. I personally left today feeling motivated & celebrated, but also thankful for the reminder of an important life lesson: if the only tool you have is a hammer 🔨 , you might see every problem as a nail. This idea is very important as we work to improve #ColorectalCancer equity in our communities. To make an impact, who should you be connected to that has tools you don’t? Learning & innovation go hand in hand. We must remember that what worked yesterday may not be enough for tomorrow. As we move forward from this important meeting, keep an eye out for the exciting new ideas that will come from our teamwork. #CRCInnovationSummit

🚨New Publication Alert! 🚨 In our latest study, arriving just in time for #HispanicHeritageMonth, we explored how masculinity beliefs affect #ColorectalCancer (CRC) screening among Hispanic/Latino men aged 45–75. Of the 611 participants, 31% identified as Puerto Rican, 30% as other Hispanic/Latino, 26% as Mexican, and 14% as Cuban. About 63% had been screened for CRC, with most completing both stool-based and exam-based tests. We found no major differences in screening participation between subgroups, but masculinity beliefs did play a role. For example, Puerto Rican men with stronger beliefs in “Restrictive Emotionality” were less likely to be screened, while Cuban men with similar beliefs were more likely to participate. Over 40% of eligible men reported no history of screening, reflecting ongoing barriers to CRC prevention. Our study, one of the first to examine how masculinity beliefs impact screening among Hispanic/Latino subgroups, highlights the importance of culturally tailored interventions. Addressing these beliefs, especially among Spanish speakers and uninsured men, is critical to reducing CRC-related deaths and improving healthcare equity. Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/gwiasVxV #HealthDisparities #MensHealth #HispanicHealth #CancerPrevention #HealthEquity #LatinoHealth #CancerAwareness #CRCequity #AcWri

Thank you for sharing your experience Mr. Jason Wilson and for being such an inspiration! We couldn’t agree more—taking that step to get screened can truly save lives. Far too many men put off important health checks, but as you’ve shown, it’s easier than we often expect, and the peace of mind is priceless. Early detection is key, especially when it comes to #ColorectalCancer. Men, let’s break the cycle of silence & prioritize our health. Screening at 45+ isn’t just about preventing disease; it’s about giving yourself a chance to live a longer, healthier life. 💪🏽 #CRCEquity #MensHealthMatters #GetScreened #HealthIsWealth #PreventColorectalCancer

Don't miss early bird registration for the #NCCRT2024 Annual Meeting, which closes and rises to $350 on Monday, September 16, at 11:59pm ET! For members, check your inboxes (or spam filter) for your invite, or reach out to nccrt@cancer.org to confirm your status. To view the latest agenda or apply for membership, visit our website: https://lnkd.in/gHNcmQRf

Tackling #ColorectalCancer disparities isn’t just about health—it’s about justice. Everyone deserves fair access to prevention, screening, & treatment. By making these services available to all, we can indeed close the gap in CRC outcomes Dr. Charles & work toward true #HealthEquity. Let’s stand up for change!

🚨 New Publication Alert! 🚨 📉 While overall rates of #ColorectalCancer (CRC) have been dropping for decades, the rate among adults under 50 has nearly doubled since the 1990s! 😱 🧠 To tackle this rising crisis, our study tested a mass-media campaign called #CRCandMe to boost knowledge and awareness of early-onset CRC. Deployed in Utah & Wisconsin from June-September 2023, the campaign aimed to reach younger adults and get people talking about the risks. 📊 The results? Over 26.7 million impressions, nearly 43,000 clicks, & thousands of video plays! Before the campaign, 74% of participants could identify CRC signs, but only 18% knew the risk factors. Post-campaign, we saw a significant boost in understanding key CRC signs. 💡 🗣️ This is just the beginning. Our work is helping shape future efforts to raise awareness, promote early detection, & reduce CRC rates for those under 50. 📚 Learn more & download for free here: https://lnkd.in/g9RcPAqZ