Reach out for reassurance
Patients who are diagnosed with colorectal cancer have many resources for emotional support. The American Cancer Society offers support for all physical and emotional aspects of cancer 24 hours a day. The Colorectal Cancer Alliance offers comprehensive resource guides as well.
Support groups, through local hospitals or communities, can also be extremely helpful.
Reading the stories of Black patients who are surviving and thriving despite a colorectal cancer diagnosis can be incredibly inspiring as well.
It’s also very important for Black patients to let their doctors know if they don’t have the support they need. A doctor can help by navigating extra help within a patient’s community – an approach that is truly breaking down barriers to CRC care.
“What’s very encouraging is that meaningful improvements in CRC screening rates and early detection among Black communities have been seen through purposeful interventions and outreach,” Dr. Willis said. “In this way, all doctors can play a significant role at a broad and systemic level by advocating for and implementing interventions in their communities.”
A version of this article appeared on WebMD.com.