23andMe and the Colorectal Cancer Alliance Collaborate to Help Advance Colorectal Cancer Research in the Black Community

Core Insights - 23andMe and the Colorectal Cancer Alliance are collaborating on a study to advance research on colorectal cancer specifically within the Black/African American community [1][4] - The study aims to recruit individuals of African ancestry diagnosed with colorectal cancer to address the significant health disparities faced by this demographic [1][5] Group 1: Colorectal Cancer Impact - Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer among Black men and women, with Black Americans experiencing a 15% higher likelihood of developing the disease and a 35% higher mortality rate compared to non-Hispanic white Americans [2] - There is an increasing trend of early onset colorectal cancer in the Black community, highlighting the need for increased awareness and early detection resources [2] Group 2: Research Gap and Study Objectives - 23andMe has identified a gap in research regarding colorectal cancer in the Black community, which the new study aims to fill by improving polygenic scores and informing individuals about genetic risks [3][4] - The study will focus on individuals aged 18 and older who have been diagnosed with colorectal cancer, aiming to enhance understanding of genetic factors affecting this population [5] Group 3: Collaboration Goals - The collaboration seeks to educate the Black community on the importance of family history and risk factors for colorectal cancer, promoting early detection and prevention strategies [4] - 23andMe's research will utilize its database of genetic and health information to develop insights that can lead to better health outcomes for the Black community [3][4]