Dr. Jeffery Nelson Discusses Rise in Colon Cancer Among African Americans

The American Cancer Society reveals that colorectal cancer disproportionately affects African American men and women. In fact, African Americans are about 20% more likely to get colorectal cancer and about 40% more likely to die from it than most other groups.

According to Jeffery Nelson, M.D., FACS, FASCRS, Surgical Director, The Center for Inflammatory Bowel and Colorectal Diseases at Mercy, access to care is a factor and screening rates among African Americans are extremely low.

"Screening rates need to increase. There needs to be continued efforts to navigate patients through the system to help them get screened and get the information out, to increase understanding about what screening is available, what it means, what the screening intervals mean, and what they should be," Dr. Nelson said.

People at average risk should start screening at age 45. Those at higher risk should speak with their doctor.

Dr. Nelson has more than 25 years of experience in colon and rectal surgery. His areas of interest include colorectal cancer, rectal bleeding, hemorrhoidectomy and diverticulitis. Dr. Nelson’s Center is part of The Institute for Digestive Health and Liver Disease at Mercy.

To view Mercy colorectal surgeon Dr. Jeffery Nelson’s interview regarding colon cancer and African American women, click here.