About Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in both men and women, and the third most frequent cancer diagnosis in America (Siegel et al., 2023). Texans suffer disproportionately from CRC compared to the general US population, ranking 23rd in CRC incidence and mortality (U.S. Cancer Statistics Working Group, 2024). Approximately 12,444 Texans were diagnosed with colon cancer in 2022, and 4,447 individuals were predicted to die from this disease. (Texas Department of Health and Human Services, 2022).

Recommended preventative screenings conducted at the recommended age can identify disease within the colon, ultimately saving thousands of lives and reducing the burden of healthcare costs. Zheng et. al (2023) reported that complying with regular screening can reduce CRC incidence by 73%. Unfortunately, there is a growing disparity in CRC screening among racial and ethnic groups and socioeconomic status.

According to the Texas Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), non-Hispanic whites received CRC screening at 72.4% higher when compared to their African American (71.9%), multiracial (51.6%) and Hispanic counterparts (56.8%). Although there has been some progress in Texas in addressing the CRC screening gap through successful programming initiatives, non-Hispanic Blacks and Hispanic males and females, the underinsured or uninsured, and people under the age of 50 still report lower screening rates than their White counterparts.

Income also is a contributing factor to CRC screening, with screening rates being significantly lower among individuals who made less than $50,000 (65%) (Texas Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, 2022). Blacks and non-white Hispanics are more likely than any other race to live below the poverty level, be underinsured, and be incapable receiving colorectal cancer screening. Not receiving regular scheduled screening increases their chances of having advanced CRC disease, with consequential outcomes.

It is widely known that consistent screening for CRC is the most effective way to mitigate the risks of the disease, with the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF, 2021) recommending regular screening for adults aged 45-75 years old. However, only 66.8% of 50 - 75-year-old Texans reported being up-to-date with CRC screening (CRCS) in 2020 (Texas Cancer Registry, 2022). A key reason for disparities in CRCS is the lack of awareness, access to colorectal cancer screening services, and limited financial resources.

Colorectal Cancer Prevention and Control Program (CRCPC) funded by the Hope Through Grace Endowment

The Colorectal Cancer Prevention and Control Program (CRCPC) at the UTHealth Houston School of Public Health Center for Health Promotion and Prevention Research is working to improve colorectal cancer screening participation in Houston, particularly in communities that experience health inequities and cancer disparities.

Hope Through Grace, Inc. was originally founded as a non-profit organization by Grace L. Butler, PhD in 2001 with the mission to reduce the impact of colorectal cancer in the Greater Houston Area. For more than 20 years, Hope Through Grace, Inc. provided health promotion programs intended to increase colorectal cancer awareness, build trust in the health care system, and improve access to colorectal cancer screening and other prevention services.

The Center for Health Promotion and Prevention Research was fortunate to receive a generous endowment from Hope Through Grace, Inc. to support established infrastructure, existing partnerships, and extensive experience with community engagement and evidence-based colorectal cancer programs in particular to continue its mission of reducing the high colorectal cancer incidence and mortality rates in Texas and ultimately, the U.S.

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If you'd like to support our Colorectal Cancer Prevention and Control efforts, you can make a donation through our donation portal. Just follow the link, fill in your information, and select "Hope Through Grace Endowment" as your area of support. We appreciate your contributions!