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World J Gastroenterol. Jan 28, 2014; 20(4): 869-876
Published online Jan 28, 2014. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i4.869
Colorectal cancer disparities: Issues, controversies and solutions
Venkata S Tammana, Adeyinka O Laiyemo
Venkata S Tammana, Adeyinka O Laiyemo, Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, DC 20060, United States
Author contributions: Laiyemo AO designed the outline of the article; Tammana VS and Laiyemo AO have contributed equally in collecting the data, drafting of the manuscript and preparing the final manuscript.
Correspondence to: Adeyinka O Laiyemo, MD, MPH, Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Howard University College of Medicine, 2041 Georgia Avenue, Washington, DC 20060, United States. adeyinka.laiyemo@howard.edu
Telephone: +1-202-8657186 Fax: +1-202-8656562
Received: October 5, 2013
Revised: November 14, 2013
Accepted: December 5, 2013
Published online: January 28, 2014
Core Tip

Core tip: This article reviews the underlying factors for the disproportionally higher burden of colorectal cancer (CRC) among blacks, addresses controversies regarding race-based screening recommendations and concludes by suggesting that a comprehensive approach that increases access and utilization of CRC screening, timely follow-up of abnormal results and treatment of CRC will be needed to reduce or eliminate CRC disparity.