Why Colorectal Cancer Affects African Americans Differently
Understanding the Contribution of Colorectal Cancer Tumor Characteristics to Disparities in Colorectal Cancer Survival
This project looks at why colorectal cancer survival rates are different for African Americans compared to white Americans.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11181495 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Colorectal cancer is a major cause of cancer death, and African Americans face a significantly higher mortality rate. This project explores whether differences in the cancer's biology, like its molecular makeup or specific gene changes, contribute to these survival differences. Researchers will examine tumor samples from African American and white American patients to understand these biological variations. The goal is to identify specific tumor characteristics that might explain why the disease is more aggressive in some groups.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This project focuses on understanding colorectal cancer in African American and non-Hispanic white patients, particularly those whose tumor tissue data is available from specific past studies.
Not a fit: Patients not diagnosed with colorectal cancer or those whose tumor tissue is not part of the existing research cohorts would not directly benefit from this specific analysis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: This work could help us understand why colorectal cancer affects different groups unequally, potentially leading to more targeted treatments or screening strategies in the future.
How similar studies have performed: While racial disparities in cancer are known, this project aims to specifically define the complex biological tumor differences contributing to colorectal cancer survival disparities using established molecular epidemiologic and cancer biology approaches.
Where this research is happening
Madison, United States
- University of Wisconsin-Madison — Madison, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Warren Andersen, Shaneda — University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Study coordinator: Warren Andersen, Shaneda
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.