Colon Cancer Predictions Miss Some Patients

Taking race into account when developing tools to predict a patient’s risk of colorectal cancer leads to more accurate predictions when compared with race-blind algorithms, researchers find.

While many medical researchers have argued that race should be removed as a factor from clinical algorithms that predict disease risks, a new study finds that, at least for colorectal cancer, including race can help correct a data issue – inaccurate recording of family history for Black patients.

Having relatives with colorectal cancer is a known risk factor for the disease, but Black patients are less likely to have an accurate recorded history in their medical records. Considering race can help correct for this, potentially identifying more Black patients who would benefit from cancer screening.