Dr. Cataldo Doria, medical director of the Capital Health Cancer Center, was recently published in Current Oncology relating socioeconomic status to overall survival of patients with a diagnosis of colorectal cancer. Capital Health remains committed to educating lower-socioeconomic-status communities regarding the importance of prevention and early detection.
Colorectal cancer isn’t just one of the most common cancers in the country—it’s also the second deadliest, accounting for 10% of all cancer-related deaths in 2024. And while the medical community has made great strides in treatment and early detection, a recent study indicates that not all those diagnosed with colorectal cancer have the same chance of survival.
Dr. Cataldo Doria and a team of researchers at Capital Health took a closer look at patient data over a 20-year period (from 2000 to 2019) to determine if where people live and their income levels might influence outcomes for individuals facing the disease. Their findings shed light on important health gaps, helping us understand what can be done to level the playing field. Here are three key takeaways from their study that you should know.
1. Higher Income Often Means Longer Survival
Imagine two individuals fighting colorectal cancer—one from a high-income neighborhood, and another from an area where families struggle to make ends meet. Based on the findings of this study, the person from the wealthier area is more likely to survive longer.
The numbers tell an eye-opening story: Those in high-income areas lived an average of 47 months after their diagnosis compared to just 30 months for those in lower-income neighborhoods. This difference is partly because people in higher-income areas often have more financial access to doctors, advanced screenings, and follow-up treatments.
2. Race and Age Play a Role
The study also revealed some striking patterns based on race and age.
People from predominantly non-white communities were diagnosed with colorectal cancer earlier in life—around the age of 65—compared to white individuals, who were diagnosed closer to age 70. However, this earlier diagnosis didn’t translate into better survival rates for non-white patients. This suggests more attention needs to be given to how cancer care is delivered to different groups.
It’s important to note that colorectal cancer is highly regarded as one of the most treatable forms of cancer when caught in early stages (Stages 0, 1, or 2). For those 40 and older, colonoscopy is crucial to catching these cancerous polyps as they develop, rather than finding them as they grow.
3. Screenings Make a Big Difference, But Not Many Are Getting Them
Nearly 70% of the American population is regularly screened for colorectal cancer. In contrast, of those with lower incomes, no health insurance, and/or no primary care doctor, only 40–60% are regularly screened for colorectal cancer.
So, what does this mean?
It shows that, although many resources are available to get screened, there’s a large population who are either unaware of those resources or simply believes they cannot afford to use them. That’s the equivalent of having a safety net but one that catches fewer people when they need it most.
The Road Ahead
This research from Dr. Doria and the rest of the research team indicates a gap in patient knowledge and access, which can cause other health-related issues as a result.
Raising awareness about the importance of screenings as well as making them affordable and accessible is key to closing this gap. When more people are screened, cancers are caught earlier—and patients have a much better chance of beating the disease. Understanding these patterns can help Capital Health and other health centers improve care and save more lives regardless of a patient’s income or ZIP code.
To dive deeper into these critical issues and explore the full study, simply follow the link provided.
If you are dealing with any gastrointestinal problems or ailments that are impeding your day-to-day activities, consider making an appointment with a GI doctor as soon as possible. Capital Health Cancer Center has a team of experienced GI specialists ready to help guide you toward the right solution and provide you with the best quality of care. Make an appointment by calling 609-537-6700 or by scheduling a screening on our website.