In this guest commentary, Gerald Fletcher, MD, MBA, from Harlem Hospital Center, discusses the data he presented during Digestive Disease Week 2019. His study, titled “Disparities in colorectal cancer screening: The effect of ACA Medicaid expansion on minorities and low-income populations,” highlights areas of need within these populations regarding CRC screening.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second-leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S. and is expected to account for more than 51,000 deaths this year alone. The disease is largely preventable with regular screening and in some cases is treatable if detected early. While inroads have been made across the country to increase screening rates, the fact remains that 1 in 3 people are not up to date on this crucial means of prevention. This is a tragic statistic because an estimated 60% of CRC deaths could be prevented with screening.