Colon Cancer Findings and a Community Solution

Colon Cancer Findings and a Community Solution

Alvin Sherman Library

Colorectal cancer remains a significant public health concern due to its high incidence, mortality, and persistent demographic disparities. The primary goal of this project was to develop an evidence-based community resource guide for the South Florida region to support early detection and equitable screening for colon cancer. The resource guide was informed by a structured review of current screening guidelines, peer-reviewed literature, and population-level data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program. SEER incidence, stage at diagnosis, and survival data for individuals aged 25-84 years diagnosed with colon cancer between 2000 and 2022 were synthesized to identify high-risk age groups and populations experiencing disproportionate disease burden. Epidemiologic trends derived from SEER data guided the content and prioritization of the resource guide. Incidence rates increased substantially beginning at age 40, rising from 18.4 per 100,000 among individuals aged 40-44 years to 33.9 per 100,000 among those aged 45-49 years. Higher incidence rates were observed among males, and Black patients experienced poorer survival outcomes compared with other racial groups. Patients diagnosed at localized stages demonstrated significantly improved survival relative to those diagnosed at distant stages, reinforcing the importance of early detection. These findings were translated into actionable, community-relevant materials by mapping evidence-based screening recommendations, local prevention strategies, and accessible healthcare resources specific to South Florida. The resulting resource guide is designed to increase awareness of colon cancer risk, promote timely screening, and address local disparities through data-driven, culturally responsive health education tailored to the needs of these residents.