Local Conviva Care Center doctor is dedicated to educating Black people on the preventative medicine that can help save their lives.
By Dr. Sendy Jean-Louis, M.D.
When you ask what worries Sendy Jean-Louis, M.D., about the health of her mostly senior Black patients, it’s their lack of awareness when it comes to preventative diseases like colorectal cancer.
March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, and although there is more discussion about this cancer than in years past, there is a large proportion of the Black community that does not know the risk factors that make them more susceptible to colorectal cancer compared to other racial groups.
The death of actor Chadwick Boseman, just 43-years old, came as a shock for many who considered him a young and healthy Black man. The reality is colorectal cancer has been increasing among younger adults and decreasing in older people. In 2021, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommended screening for colorectal cancer in adults to begin at age 45, five years earlier than had been recommend in years past.
“The reality is Black people have a 20% higher incidence of having colorectal cancer and are more likely to be diagnosed at an early age,” said Dr. Jean-Louis, family care doctor at Conviva Care Center in Liberty City.
Conviva Care Centers, which specializes in providing primary care to seniors, is taking steps to educate patients on recognizing the risk factors that can lead to a cancer diagnosis. Dr. Jean-Louis is particularly keen on educating her patients, especially when it comes to early detection and screening.
Medical professionals recognize that disparities among the Black community can hinder access to healthcare and can delay someone from being properly diagnosed and treated for this potentially deadly cancer.
Some of the risk factors that could contribute to colon cancer include age, obesity, diabetes, family history, and having an unhealthy diet, consisting of red or processed meats.
Dr. Jean-Louis feels enthusiastic about helping her patients understand the impacts of preventative care. As a Haitian American, she is also aware of the challenges Black people face, especially in underserved populations.
“The biggest piece of advice I would give African Americans over the age of 45 is prevention. It is so important to see a primary doctor regularly. This will allow patients to be referred for appropriate colorectal cancer screenings like colonoscopies,” said Dr. Jean-Louis.
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