Racial Disparities in Colon Polyp Prevalence: A Multi-Racial Study (2009–2023)

Aims Colon polyps, benign growths in the colon lining, vary in prevalence and type across different racial groups, influencing colorectal cancer risk. Research highlights significant disparities in the occurrence of tubular adenomas and hyperplastic polyps among racial categories such as Black, White, Hispanic, Other Race, and Asians. Understanding these differences is crucial for tailored screening and prevention strategies. This study investigates the racial variations in colon polyp prevalence, aiming to enhance clinical outcomes through informed, race-specific healthcare interventions.

Methods Using the ASU gastroenterology database (2009-2023) from our hospital, this study analyzed data on patients undergoing screening colonoscopies. Information on polyp size, pathology, and prep quality was obtained from endoscopy reports. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression to assess the prevalence and racial disparities of tubular adenoma and hyperplastic polyp among racial groups: Black, White, Hispanic, Other Race, and Asians. Chi-square tests determined prevalence differences' significance, while logistic regression models, using Asians as a reference, provided odds ratios and significance levels for each group.

Results The study encompassed 13,598 Black, 20,429 White, 449 Hispanic, 11,942 Other Race, and 250 Asian individuals. Black individuals exhibited the highest prevalence of tubular adenoma at 12.98%, followed by Other Race (9.54%), White (9.48%), Hispanic (7.80%), and Asians (1.60%). Logistic regression showed Blacks had a higher likelihood of developing tubular adenoma (OR=9.17, p<0.001) compared to Asians. Meanwhile, the highest prevalence of hyperplastic polyps was among Asians (47.60%, OR=5.17, p<0.01), with significantly lower odds in other groups, such as Blacks (OR=0.27, p<0.001) and Whites (OR=0.22, p<0.001)

Conclusions This study highlights significant racial disparities in colon polyp prevalence and risk, focusing on tubular adenomas and hyperplastic polyps. Black individuals had the highest prevalence and risk for tubular adenomas, suggesting a need for targeted screening and prevention. Conversely, Asians showed the highest prevalence of hyperplastic polyps but a lower risk for tubular adenomas. These variations emphasize the importance of race-specific data in clinical guidelines to improve colorectal cancer prevention and management.

Publication History

Article published online:
27 March 2025