Colorectal Cancer Alliance statement on diversity, equity, and inclusion

The Colorectal Cancer Alliance stands against persistent systemic racism and commits to addressing disparities in colorectal cancer. We recognize that to reduce systemic health inequity and serve a more diverse community of allies, the work starts with diverse and inclusive leadership and staff.

As such, we use the following equity framework and lens across our organizational culture, programs, and support services.

Inequities in colorectal cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment among the most vulnerable communities, specifically in racial/ethnic minority groups and low-income populations, continue to persist. According to the American Cancer Society, racial and ethnic minorities are more likely to develop cancer and die from it when compared to the general population of the United States. Black Americans are 15 percent more likely to be diagnosed with colorectal cancer and 35 percent more likely to die from the disease.

The challenges we faced in 2020 further highlighted this reality — a pandemic that exacerbated existing health disparities; the elevation and awareness of systemic racism and social unrest; and the death of superhero actor Chadwick Boseman, drawing unprecedented attention to colorectal cancer in Black Americans and among those under 50 years old.

The Alliance welcomes you to join us in our effort to reduce health disparities and end colorectal cancer in our lifetime.