Lou Portero

Urban Health Today

A recent study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons found that residents of historically redlined areas were less likely to be screened for breast, colorectal, and cervical cancers. Redlining began in the United States in the 1930s to discriminate against neighborhoods whose residents are predominantly people of color and low-income individuals. Redlined areas were designated &ldquo;high-risk&rdquo; for lending and investment, leading to decreased property values. Congress banned the practice in 1968 under the Fair Housing Act. Still, studies show people who live in historically redlined areas continue to be negatively impacted by a lack of access to resources.The study found that people who live in historically redlined areas are less likely to have health insurance, less likely to have a regular doctor, and less likely to have access to cancer screening. This lack of access contributes to higher cancer rates in these areas.In addition, the study revealed that people who live in historically redlined areas are more likely to be exposed to environmental toxins, which can further increase cancer risk.&nbsp;&ldquo;I find this study on the impact of historic redlining practices on current cancer screening rates to be incredibly important and sobering. The findings clearly demonstrate that the legacy of redlining continues to contribute to significant disparities in breast, colorectal, and cervical cancer screening,&rdquo; said David Tom Cooke, MD, FACS, professor and chief of the Division of General Thoracic Surgery at UC Davis Health, and president of the Thoracic Surgery Directors Association. Dr. Cooke was not involved with the study.The study&rsquo;s findings are significant because they highlight the need to address the health disparities in historically redlined areas. These disparities result from the legacy of redlining, which has had a lasting impact on the health of these communities. The study&rsquo;s authors call for policies to address these disparities, which could help to improve the health of people who live in historically redlined areas.&nbsp;Sources: <a href="https://www.news-medical.net/news/20230616/Historically-redlined-areas-are-less-likely-to-be-screened-for-breast-colorectal-and-cervical-cancer.aspx">News Medical</a><a href="https://www.facs.org/for-medical-professionals/news-publications/news-and-articles/press-releases/2023/historic-redlining-practices-cast-a-long-shadow-on-cancer-screening-rates/">American College of Surgeons</a>

Hidden Dangers: The Blood Sugar Crisis in Modern Breast Cancer Treatment

Diabetes in Women

New ACG Guidelines Address Critical Gastric Cancer Disparities in Non-White Americans

Gastroenterology

Ultra-Processed Foods Linked to Increased Ovarian and Breast Cancer Risk

Gynecologic Cancer

Latest News

Historically Redlined Areas Have Lower Cancer Screening Rates

Cancer

A recent study found that residents of historically redlined areas were less likely to be screened for breast, colorectal, and cervical cancers.

About Us

Editorial Policy

Contributors & Partners

Contact Us

eNewsletters

Work With Us

Advertising

Career Center

GU Oncology Now

Blood Cancers Today

Cancer Nursing Today

DocWire News

MashupMD

Food Allergy Roundtable Discussions

Allergy

Blood Cancers

— Multiple Myeloma

Breast Cancer

Colorectal Cancer

Pancreatic Cancer

Prostate Cancer

Diabetes

Heart Failure

Heart Disease Prevention

Heart Health

— Alzheimer’s Disease

Neurology

Public Health

Autoimmune Disease

Infectious Diseases

Obesity

Pediatrics

Sickle Cell Disease

Digital Health

Dermatology

Pulmonology

Video Insights

Workforce News

More

Heart Disease in Women

Menopause

Reproductive Health

Women’s Neurology

Well Woman Today

Roundtables

Podcasts

Conferences

Viewpoints

Subscribe