A Personal Crusade: How a Family's Loss Fuels the Fight Against Colorectal Cancer
March marks National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, a time that holds deep personal significance for Dr. Charles R. Rogers, a public health and behavioral science researcher. For him, this observance is not just a calendar event; it is a poignant reminder of his Aunt Joann, whose battle with colorectal cancer reshaped his family and career trajectory.
A Family Tragedy That Sparked a Mission
In the summer of 2009, during a Family & Friends Reunion, Aunt Joann, wearing green pants, appeared vibrant and healthy. Tragically, just a few months later, at age 52, she began experiencing health issues that were repeatedly misdiagnosed. By the time she received a correct diagnosis, her colorectal cancer had advanced to Stage 4, a devastating reality that ultimately led to her passing in 2016 shortly after her 60th birthday.
Aunt Joann was more than a statistic; she was a godmother who embodied warmth, strength, and unwavering family commitment. Her daughter, Rebecca, accompanied her to every appointment, advocating tirelessly as concerns were dismissed or minimized. This delay in diagnosis highlights a critical breakdown in healthcare delivery, one that Dr. Rogers witnessed not only as a grieving family member but as a trained professional analyzing systems and health outcomes.
Unpacking the Disparities in Colorectal Cancer
The loss of Aunt Joann left Dr. Rogers with pressing questions that would define his career: Why are so many people, particularly in Black communities, diagnosed at later stages? Why are symptoms often ignored? These inquiries drove him to specialize in cancer disparities research, focusing on the behavioral, cultural, and structural factors that influence screening rates.
Colorectal cancer is now the leading cause of cancer death in adults under 50, with stark racial disparities. Black men face a 20% higher incidence rate than white men and are 40% more likely to die from the disease. Similarly, Black women have a 14% higher incidence rate and a 25% higher mortality rate compared to white women. These inequities are rooted in a complex interplay of access barriers, historical mistrust in healthcare, and delayed care-seeking behaviors.
Structural Barriers and the Cycle of Delay
For many Black families, healthcare has not always been a safe space. Generations of unequal treatment and broken trust have created a culture where medical concerns are often met with caution rather than prompt action. Aunt Joann, a private certified nursing assistant, lacked consistent health insurance, which further delayed her access to necessary care. Even when care is available, experiences of being dismissed or misunderstood can deter individuals from returning or following through with screenings.
This creates a vicious cycle: people wait due to fear or access issues, systems respond too late, and outcomes worsen. Breaking this cycle requires more than awareness; it demands rebuilding trust, improving accessibility, and fostering healthcare environments where patients feel respected and heard.
The Power of Early Detection and Screening
Colorectal cancer often begins as asymptomatic polyps, growing silently over years without warning signs. By the time symptoms appear, the disease may already be advanced, as seen in high-profile cases like actor Chadwick Boseman, who died at 43 after a Stage 3 diagnosis. Screening, particularly through colonoscopy or at-home stool tests, is a powerful tool for prevention, capable of detecting and removing precancerous growths before they develop into cancer.
Most adults should begin screening at age 45, or earlier if there is a family history. Despite this, Black adults are less likely to be screened early and consistently, exacerbating disparities. Dr. Rogers emphasizes that screening does not need to be complicated but must be prioritized to save lives.
A Call to Action: From Personal Grief to Public Health Advocacy
As a Black man in public health, Dr. Rogers carries both the data and the emotional weight of these issues. He acknowledges his own delay in getting a colonoscopy, highlighting how easy it is to postpone health decisions amid life's competing priorities. Yet, he stresses that showing up for one's health is a profound act of care for loved ones.
National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month is more than wearing blue; it is about initiating conversations, understanding family medical histories, and scheduling screenings. By doing so, we can shift the narrative from loss to prevention, ensuring fewer empty seats at family tables.
Dr. Charles R. Rogers, founder of the Colorectal Cancer Equity Foundation, continues to advocate for equitable cancer prevention and culturally responsive care, turning personal tragedy into a legacy of hope and action.
