Prevalence of Colon Polyps Detected by Colonoscopy Screening in Asymptomatic Black and White Patients

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Abstract
Colorectal cancer incidence and mortality are higher in black patients compared with white patients. Mortality rates for black men (34.3 per 100 000 population per year) and women (24.5 per 100 000 population per year) are 38% to 43% higher than for white men and women.1 Incidence rates are 15.5% to 23% higher in black individuals.1 Since 1985 as incidence rates have declined in white individuals by 20% to 25%, rates in black men have increased and remained unchanged in black women.1 There are many possible reasons for these differences. Factors such as poor access to care, failure of health care professionals to recommend screening, and lower rates of participation when screening is offered, could delay diagnosis, which could result in more advanced stage disease at the time of diagnosis. Disparities in screening rates have been documented in the Medicare population.2,3 Differences in cancer prevention knowledge may also delay screening efforts.4