Why is there an increase in young people dying from Colorectal Cancer?
Why are young people dying at a greater rate than anyone else?
Are people under 50 too young to get colorectal cancer?
In this episode of “Everyday Conversations on Race,” Simma Lieberman, The Inclusionist, is joined by Lisa Hall, Senior Director of Prevention and Screening at the Colorectal Cancer Alliance, and Michael Sapienza, CEO of the Colorectal Cancer Alliance. They tell us why so many people are being diagnosed too late, and why more non-white people are dying compared to white people. Michael shares his personal story of his mother’s death and the impact it had on him when he was young.
Lisa talks about health disparities and how important her work with the Colorectal Cancer Alliance is to her as a Black woman. Listen to learn more about this critical health disparity affecting people of color and. the racial disparities in screening, diagnosis and deaths from colorectal cancer. At the end of this episode you’ll know what you can do for yourself, how you can help your community and how you can support your friends who may be at risk, no matter who they are.
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Key Moments:
[00:01:08] Racial disparity in colorectal cancer.
[00:06:43] Early detection in minority populations.
[00:10:37] Expanding colorectal cancer screening age.
[00:15:19] Understanding average risk for screenings.
[00:18:35] Screening disparities and awareness.
[00:21:19] Advocating for your health.
[00:27:13] Importance of early screening.
[00:29:52] Resources for colorectal cancer.
Why Are More Young People Dying from Colorectal Cancer?
Why Are So Many People of Color Diagnosed so Late?
What Can You Do to Save Your Life and the Lives of People You Love?
Racial disparities in colorectal cancer are a significant issue that needs to be addressed in order to ensure that all individuals have equal access to prevention, screening, and treatment. In this recent episode of Everyday Conversations on Race, Lisa Hall and Michael Sapienza from the Colorectal Cancer Alliance shed light on the fact that non-white people have a much higher rate of colorectal cancer and a higher death rate from the disease compared to white people. This racial disparity is a pressing concern that requires attention and action to address the underlying factors contributing to this disparity.
Michael Sapienza’s personal story of losing his mother to colorectal cancer at a young age highlights the devastating impact of this disease on individuals and families. His experience led him to co-found the organization Chris for Life, which later merged with the Colorectal Cancer Alliance to advocate for increased awareness, research, and support for those affected by colorectal cancer. Through their efforts, the organization has grown significantly and is now leading initiatives to improve screening rates, provide information and resources to those diagnosed with the disease, and fund research projects to advance treatment options.
Lisa Hall’s role as the Senior Director of Prevention and Screening at the Colorectal Cancer Alliance underscores the importance of early detection and prevention in reducing the burden of colorectal cancer. She and her team are working to increase screening rates among underserved communities and ensure that individuals have access to the information and resources they need to make informed decisions about their health.
The racial disparities in colorectal cancer are multifaceted and can be attributed to various factors, including socioeconomic status, access to healthcare, cultural beliefs, and genetic predisposition. Non-white populations often face barriers to screening and treatment, such as lack of insurance coverage, limited access to healthcare facilities, and language barriers. These disparities contribute to higher rates of late-stage diagnosis and poorer outcomes for non-white individuals with colorectal cancer.
Addressing racial disparities in colorectal cancer requires a comprehensive approach that includes increasing awareness and education about the importance of screening, improving access to healthcare services in underserved communities, and addressing social determinants of health that contribute to disparities. Organizations like the Colorectal Cancer Alliance play a crucial role in advocating for policy changes, funding research initiatives, and providing support to individuals and families affected by colorectal cancer.
This episode of Everyday Conversations on Race, featuring Lisa Hall and Michael Sapienza highlights the urgent need to address racial disparities in colorectal cancer and work towards achieving health equity for all individuals. By raising awareness, advocating for policy changes, and supporting research initiatives, we can make progress in reducing the burden of colorectal cancer and ensuring that all individuals have access to timely and effective screening, treatment, and support services.
Guests Bio
Michael Sapienza, Chief Executive Officer of the Colorectal Cancer Alliance, lost his mother to the disease in May 2009. He turned his profound grief into action, inspiring and challenging the colorectal cancer community, family, friends, and professional associates to follow his lead and dedicate themselves to ending colorectal cancer within our lifetime—now the mission of the Colorectal Cancer Alliance. Michael served as President and Founder of The Chris4Life Colon Cancer Foundation from 2010-2015. He was an integral member of the team that led the effort to merge the Chris4Life Colon Cancer Foundation and the Colon Cancer Alliance, creating the nation’s largest colon cancer specific nonprofit. In 2017, the Colon Cancer Alliance changed its name to Colorectal Cancer Alliance, embracing the entire colorectal cancer community.
Lisa Hall is a healthcare leader with extensive, proven expertise in strategic client management and development. During her career, she has applied her proven experience in cultivating and managing successful, complex relationships to drive forward both the client and organizations business agendas; She has done so while demonstrating results for influencing business outcomes achieving solid, consistent, market share and profit gains. Lisa’s business approach exemplifies her skills in consultative selling and building relationships with clients and prospects that ensures long-term, client solutions and business growth.
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Simma Lieberman, The Inclusionist helps leaders create inclusive cultures. She is a consultant, speaker, and facilitator. Simma is the creator and host of the podcast, “Everyday Conversations on Race for Everyday People.”
Contact Simma@SimmaLieberman.com to get more information, book her for your next DEIB event, help you become a more inclusive leader, or facilitate dialogues across differences.
Go to www.simmalieberman.com and www.raceconvo.com for more information
Simma is a member of and inspired by the global organization IAC (Inclusion Allies Coalition)
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Previous Episodes
Navigating the End of Racial Disparities in Healthcare