File photo of Chadwick Boseman
Clinton is not wrong. In fact, African Americans are at increased risk for colon cancer, and there is evidence to show it.
- News18.com
- Last update: August 30, 2020 1:43 PM IST
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Chadwick Boseman, who played black icons Jackie Robinson in 42 and James Brown in Get up Before finding international fame with the superhero Black Panther in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, he no longer exists. The actor had been diagnosed with colon cancer and passed away on Friday.
Boseman had never spoken publicly about his diagnosis. However, in April this year, fans expressed concern when images of his dramatic weight loss appeared on the internet.
As news of his death and diagnosis spread, emotional messages were arriving from all corners of the world. Even politicians like former US President Barrack Obama and politician Hillary Clinton took to Twitter to express their deepest condolences.
Clinton, however, spoke about something quite important, although often ignored.
In a tweet, Clinton wrote: “Colon cancer has taken away too many young black men too soon. I am heartbroken for Chadwick Boseman’s family and friends, and for all who saw themselves in their roles. It was a hero on screen and off. Send comfort to all who are grieving. “
Colon cancer has taken hold of too many young black men too soon. I am heartbroken for Chadwick Boseman’s family and friends, and for all who saw themselves in their roles. He was a hero on and off screen. Send comfort to all who are grieving.
– Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) August 29, 2020
Many found it strange that Clinton spoke about colon cancer in blacks and were quick to call her tweet racist. Some even criticized it for being divisive and discriminatory.
Hillary … why say young black men? The idea of cancer taking ANYONE of any color is heartbreaking.
– Lynette (@ Lynette24517948) August 29, 2020
Unfortunately, Clinton incorporated politics with her first phrase “selective.” Shame on her. BRW, I have already given you my condolences and left the issue of “race” out. Discouraging and sad for all the families who have lost loved ones to this disease.
– Mary French (@ukgirlinsf) August 29, 2020
Can we all agree that cancer is a terrible disease that has claimed the lives of too many people? Why does it have to be about race?
– Bo Hodges (@ Bo_Hodges5) August 29, 2020
Here’s the thing: Clinton is not wrong. In fact, African Americans have a higher risk of colon cancer than others and there is scientific evidence to prove it.
According to the data, about 140,000 African Americans are diagnosed with colon cancer each year and about 50,000 die from the deadly disease. In a blog, Dr. Fola May, an assistant professor of medicine at UCLA, explained that not only are African Americans at increased risk for colon cancer, they are also less likely to survive. This is because, when people are diagnosed, the cancer is already in an advanced stage, which increases the chance that they will die from it.
According to a report from the American Cancer Society, African Americans have the highest death rate of any racial or ethnic group in the United States for most types of cancer. For colon cancer, often called colorectal cancer, the incidence in the United States among black men is 24% higher than that of white men. The death rate is 47% higher in black men.
This study of colorectal cancer in African Americans offers a deeper insight into why this happens. The colon runs down the right side of the body and after going down the left side it ends with the rectum. Now sometimes polyps develop in the colon. Some are benign, but others end up being evil. A US News report says this is the fourth most common type of cancer in the country and can be treated if caught in the early stages. Screening is usually done through a colonoscopy, which involves inserting a small camera through the rectum. It sounds painful, but you are usually under anesthesia when it happens.
Now, African-American men tend to develop polyps deeper in the colon, making them difficult to detect.
The report also highlights some of the reasons why so many African Americans die from cancer that could be easily treated, provided it is diagnosed early.
One of the main factors is the lack of detection. Despite the enormous risk, only a fraction of African Americans are likely to undergo cancer screening or testing. One study also suggests that most black men often refuse to have a colonoscopy. Low knowledge and lack of awareness about colon cancer could also be the reason young African Americans opt for early detection, a move that could save millions of lives.
The American Cancer Society recommends regular screening for colon and rectal cancer beginning at age 45.
Also look
Chadwick Boseman dies of cancer | Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, Mark Ruffalo and others pay tribute
Of course, prejudice and racial disparities in African Americans who have access to basic health care have a role to play. Black people in the US do not receive the same standard and quality of health care that their white counterparts receive.
While Boseman has likely received quality medical care, thousands of African Americans in the US today may not even know that they could have a potentially fatal condition. Clinton’s tweet was not racist, it was not divisive, but rather shed light on an important issue that needs to be discussed and addressed.
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