Colorectal Cancer Equity Foundation

#ColorectalCancer doesn’t discriminate. It affects both young and old, transcending age, race, and background. Yet, it impacts Black Americans, both young and old, at alarming rates. Early detection saves lives, and by raising awareness in our community, we can make a profound difference for our families & future generations. 📽️: Andre Robinson #CRCequity #HealthEquityNow #ColonCancer #ScreeningSavesLives

The loss of brother Chadwick Boseman to #ColorectalCancer 4 years ago today was a profound moment that resonated deeply with people around the world. As a gifted actor who brought unforgettable characters to life in films like Black Panther, 42, and Marshall, Boseman wasn’t just a star—he was a beacon of hope and a cultural trailblazer. Through his work, he redefined what it means to be a hero, particularly for the Black community, empowering countless individuals by showing them heroes who looked like them, who embodied strength, courage, and integrity. His death at the young age of 43 shocked many, shedding light on the alarming rise of colorectal cancer among younger people, especially African Americans, who continue to be disproportionately affected by this disease. Boseman’s passing highlighted a critical health issue and sparked a much-needed conversation about early screening, awareness, and #HealthEquity. Chadwick Boseman’s battle with cancer, fought privately while continuing to create and inspire, was a testament to his incredible strength and dedication. His passing reminds us of the importance of raising awareness, advocating for better prevention, and ensuring access to quality care for all. Though his life was cut short, his legacy continues to inspire us here at the Colorectal Cancer Equity Foundation, urging us to keep fighting for a future where no one is lost to this preventable and treatable disease. #RestInPower

In case you missed it, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently approved Guardant Health's Shield, a new blood test for screening #ColorectalCancer (CRC). This is a significant development, as CRC is one of the most common cancers and is rising among younger people. It’s now the leading cause of cancer deaths in men under 50 & the second-leading cause in women. By 2030, it’s projected to be the number one cause of cancer death for both men and women under 50 as well. When caught early, CRC is often treatable. But too many cases are diagnosed in later stages, when treatment is harder, and the chances of survival decrease. That’s why early detection is so crucial. "This new blood test is a game changer, especially for those between 45-49, people with disabilities, & those in underserved and rural communities. With limited colonoscopy availability & ongoing disparities in colorectal cancer screening, having a non-invasive option that does not involve handling stool could dramatically increase screening rates & save lives. This is an exciting and much-needed step forward in expanding access to life-saving screenings for everyone,” says Colorectal Cancer Equity Foundation's Founder & President Dr. Charles R. Rogers. Let's us know your thoughts in the comments & learn more here via NBC News: https://lnkd.in/e2u3Quyq #CRCequity #EarlyDetection #HealthEquity #FDAApproved #ColorectalCancerAwareness #HealthcareInnovation #RuralHealth #HealthForAll #ScreeningSavesLives

Do you hear that? It sounds like ACS National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable (NCCRT) Annual Meeting invitations hitting the inboxes of our members... That's right, registration is now live! Be sure to check your email and register early to lock in our early bird rate. Take a look at our agenda and find out more information about the Annual Meeting by clicking here: https://lnkd.in/gvWM9Sa3 Not yet a member but interested in attending? Apply for membership now and request guest access: https://lnkd.in/gy5dQW-p See y'all in November! 🤠

🚨 NEW PODCAST: Charles R. Rogers, Ph.D., is the founder and CEO of the Colorectal Cancer Equity Foundation, an organization dedicated to eliminating colorectal cancer disparities among black men and other marginalized groups. In this conversation, host Michael Holtz and special guest host Brenda Blunt, ORAU senior director of health policy, talk to Rogers about the critical need to eliminate disparities, the importance of education about colorectal cancer prevention and early detection, and the hard work of creating a fair and just healthcare system. Rogers talks about his research portfolio, why health equity drives his work and how he came to found the CRC Equity Foundation. Click the link below to listen 🔽 🔽 🔽 https://bit.ly/4fStz1H #FurtherTogether

As you might have noticed during our July pause for National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, just before the Fourth of July holiday, the Supreme Court made a significant decision. They overturned the “#ChevronDoctrine.” This doctrine allowed federal agencies to interpret and enforce laws when there were disputes about statutes they administer. For decades, the Chevron doctrine has helped agencies like the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to implement important health care policies. These policies have impacted patients across the country, including those with colorectal cancer. We are concerned about what this Supreme Court decision could mean for #ColorectalCancer patients and beyond. Without the Chevron doctrine, there could be more challenges in making sure health policies are effectively put into action. That's why we’ve partnered with Fight Colorectal Cancer and several other advocacy organizations. Together, we are committed to ensuring that laws affecting access to colorectal cancer care and screening are implemented in ways that truly benefit the health and welfare of our community. We will continue to fight for policies that support patients and improve access to the care they need. Our dedication to this cause remains strong, and we are working hard to make a positive difference for everyone affected by colorectal cancer. #CRCequity #SupremeCourt #HealthcarePolicy #PatientAdvocacy #AccessToCare #HealthEquity #AdvocacyInAction #PolicyChange #CancerAwareness #TogetherForChange

Paula Chambers Raney, a Houston native & Metallica fan, married her wife, Lara, in 2014. Unfortunately, soon after their wedding, Paula fell very ill. For years, she had symptoms like irregular bowels, painful gas, and bloody stool. Despite these symptoms, doctors dismissed her concerns due to her young age, thinking stage III #ColorectalCancer was unlikely for someone just 42 years old. Colorectal cancer rates are increasing among younger adults, and it's more common and deadlier in African Americans. Paula’s symptoms were ignored and misdiagnosed for years, even though she repeatedly experienced severe health issues. Doctors attributed her bloody stools to her eating something red, not recognizing the severity of her condition. It took a long time before Paula finally got a proper screening, which revealed a huge tumor. Paula’s story highlights the critical need for better awareness and screening, especially in African American communities. If her doctors had considered her higher risk for colorectal cancer, she might have been diagnosed earlier and avoided much suffering. After much struggle, Paula received the treatment she needed. Doctors from MD Anderson Cancer Center recommended immediate surgery, which likely saved her life. Today, Paula is cancer-free and continues to share her story to emphasize the importance of early screening and equal treatment in healthcare. Paula's journey reminds us that everyone deserves to be heard and treated with respect in healthcare. Her story encourages us to push for better screening and awareness to ensure that more lives are saved and more people receive the care they need, regardless of their age, sexual orientation, or skin color. Paula's courage and advocacy shine as a beacon of hope and a call to action for colorectal cancer equity. #CRCequity #CancerAwareness #HealthEquity #EarlyDetection #FightCRC #HealthcareForAll #CancerSurvivor #BlackHealthMatters #PatientAdvocacy #HealthAdvocacy #CancerJourney #Inspiration #CancerPrevention

Greetings, dear friends! The Colorectal Cancer Equity Foundation is taking a pause from social media during National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month in July. We invite our followers to embrace the outdoors to reignite their passions and revitalize their sense of purpose in the beauty of nature. We encourage each of you to embark on your unique adventure, no matter how grand or modest. Explore new horizons, set a goal, or simply step outside, inhale the refreshing air, & feel the transformative power it brings! Take care; we look forward to reconnecting in August. 💙 ✌🏾

Love Soda? Think Again! 🚫🥤 Many of us love sipping on sugary drinks without thinking twice. But did you know that about two-thirds of kids and teens and half of adults in the U.S. drink these regularly? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says so! Dr. Jihye Yun, who prefers green tea herself, spends a lot of time thinking about soda and its effects on our bodies. Her research at Yun Laboratory focuses on how diet, especially sugary drinks, can affect our intestines and possibly lead to #ColorectalCancer. Can Sugary Drinks Cause Cancer? 😨 Yun wondered if sugary drinks could directly cause cancer, not just through weight gain. She noticed that more young adults are getting colorectal cancer, which might link to the rise in sugary drink consumption. Using lab models, Yun’s team discovered something shocking: drinking just one can of soda with high-fructose corn syrup each day caused more and bigger tumors to grow, without affecting weight. This means sugary drinks can directly cause cancer! Why Are Sugary Drinks Harmful? 🍭➡️❌ Sugary drinks can be trouble because our bodies don't absorb all the sugar. Excess sugar moves to the large intestine and colon, feeding tumor cells. Additionally, a diet high in sugar can reduce the diversity of our gut microbiome and weaken our gut barrier, allowing harmful microbes to enter our bloodstream and increase inflammation, making it easier for tumors to form and grow. What About Other Sweeteners? 🍯🍓 Dr. Yun warns us to be cautious with all kinds of sugars, including those in honey and fruits. Even though these natural options have more nutrients, they should still be consumed in moderation. Whole fruits are better than fruit juices because they contain more fiber. Artificial sweeteners like aspartame and sucralose are also under scrutiny. Until more is known, it's best to limit these as well. Sugary Drinks in Foods? 🍬 High-fructose corn syrup isn’t just in drinks; it’s in many foods like cereals and sauces. These drinks are particularly harmful because they're highly concentrated, leading to a quick spike in sugar levels in our bodies, feeding tumor cells and harmful microbes. Making Healthier Choices 🌟 Dr. Yun encourages us to rethink our soda habits. Instead of drinking sugary beverages regularly, try to treat them as an occasional indulgence. Reading nutrition labels can help you make better choices and avoid hidden sugars. For healthier hydration, choose water with added fruits or vegetables. Dr. Yun enjoys lemon water with a bit of honey for a refreshing and nutritious drink. By making these small changes, we can reduce our risk of chronic diseases, including cancer, and live healthier lives. Let's sip smart and stay healthy! 🚰🌿 h/t MD Anderson Cancer Center: https://lnkd.in/ggnRfi6d

We're thrilled to share that our latest resource is live: the CRC Data Dashboard! This new mapping tool offers an interactive geospatial view of CRC-related data in the US. Explore the dashboard now: https://lnkd.in/gpJTca2t Special thanks to Liora Sahar, PhD, GISP, her team at ACS, and Emily Bell for bringing this idea to life!