The untimely death of R&B great Teddy Pendergrass should serve as a wake-up call to all black men. Pendergrass, who was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2008, died of the deadly disease at Bryn Mawr Hospital. Dr. Otis W. Brawley of the American Cancer Society released the following statement about the seriousness of colon cancer in the black community:
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Teddy Pendergrass as they mourn the loss of an American legend and musical icon.
“Colon cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in men and women and the third most common cause of cancer death. Colon cancer affects African Americans disproportionately — among African Americans, incidence rates are more than 20 percent higher and mortality rates are about 45 percent higher than those in whites. But there is hope. Colon cancer incidence and death rates are dropping thanks to regular screening and better treatments, and a number of clinical studies show that colon cancer screening can reduce the risk of death from this disease by up to 35 percent.
“The American Cancer Society recommends that all men and women age 50 and over get one of the several screening tests available for colon cancer, because colon cancer screening can save lives.”
How to Reduce the Risk of Colon Cancer*
Eat Less Red Meat – Eating more than one serving a day of red meat (pork, beef, veal, lamb and venison) increases risk. Fish, chicken, vegetables and pasta are good substitutes for red meat.
Maintain a Healthy Weight – Individuals who are overweight have an increased risk of developing colon cancer. Having a healthy diet and exercising regularly can reduce the risk.
Decrease Alcohol Intake – Alcohol consumption can increase the risk of colon cancer because alcohol inhibits the work of folic acid, which protects cells. As a result, drinking too much can leave cells vulnerable to damage.
–amir shaw
*Information provided by Harvard Medical School.
