Last year, our team began working with the Association of Black Gastroenterologists and Hepatologists (ABGH). Their members’ groundbreaking research and dedication to improving health outcomes for those with chronic gastrointestinal issues left a profound impression on us.
Attending the annual ABGH Summit not only sparked admiration for their important work; it prompted personal reflection. Many members of our team reevaluated their own lifestyles, adopting healthier habits.
This week, ABGH is hosting a Charity Auction and Colon Cancer Screening Drive in honor of James Casey’s legacy. Diagnosed with CRC at the very early age of 38, James was a gifted saxophonist, composer, and producer who made a significant impact on the music world. Proceeds will directly support colorectal screening services for the uninsured through Fight Colorectal Cancer.
Featuring exclusive artist-donated pieces, a custom guitar with artwork by Dave Matthews, VIP ticket packages from Trey Anastasio, Disco Biscuits and others, you do NOT want to miss out!
In honor of James Casey’s legacy, we invite you to join us in raising awareness and vital funds for Colorectal Cancer Screening this week. Here are some great ways you can get involved:
James Casey was a gifted saxophonist, composer, and producer who made a significant impact on the music world. Born in Washington, D.C. and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, Casey discovered his passion for music at a young age. He honed his skills at Berklee College of Music, refining his technique and broadening his musical horizons.
Casey’s career took off as he performed alongside prominent artists like The Roots, Meghan Trainor, and Lettuce, earning recognition for blending jazz, funk, and rock into a unique, electrifying sound. However, his most notable work was with the Trey Anastasio Band, where he became a beloved member known for his soulful performances and charismatic stage presence. Trey Anastasio praised Casey’s “phenomenal talent” and ability to bring “so much joy to the stage and to everyone who knew him.”
Tragically, the celebrated saxophonist was diagnosed with Stage III colorectal cancer at just 38 years old. His cancer quickly progressed to Stage IV, and he passed away at 40. After his diagnosis, Casey continued performing and began work on a solo album while undergoing treatment. On his YouTube channel, he poignantly reflected, “I’m dealing with stage IV colon cancer…Life changed drastically, and I realized I have to put something out – I’ve never done anything of my own. There is no legacy left for me.”
During his battle, Casey became a passionate advocate, using his platform to raise awareness of colorectal cancer and highlight the disparities faced by Black Americans in accessing timely diagnosis and treatment. He participated in ABGH’s “Colorectal Cancer in Young Black Americans” webinar and collaborated with organizations like the Colorectal Cancer Alliance and The Nancy Langhorne Foundation to improve screening access.
In March 2023, Casey released a documentary titled “Music As Medicine: A James Casey Story,” openly sharing his cancer journey and emphasizing the critical need for early detection, especially within the Black community. Through these efforts, he left an indelible mark on colon cancer advocacy.
Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in both men and women in the United States and the the second deadliest cancer in the United States. Yet it’s one of the few cancers that’s preventable via timely screening.
African Americans bear a disproportionate burden, with an incidence of CRC that is >20% higher than in caucasians, and an even larger difference in mortality. In particular, African Americans are more often diagnosed with CRC at an earlier age and with more advanced disease. These factors are why ABGH and COGI have been working so diligently to spread awareness of digestive diseases within the black community.
Another alarming trend that researchers have uncovered is that people in the US are being diagnosed with colorectal cancer at much younger ages than in the past. From around 2000 to 2016, incidence of colorectal cancer among adults aged 40-49 has increased by almost 15%, according to the U.S.Preventive Services Task Force.
Historically, most medical institutions have advised patients to begin regular colorectal cancer screenings at age 50. However, due to this emerging pattern of earlier-onset diagnoses, many gastroenterologists are now recommending that people get screened starting at age 40 or 45 instead. This shift in screening guidelines aims to detect colorectal cancer at earlier, more treatable stages.
The rising incidence of colorectal cancer among younger adults underscores the importance of timely screening, as it can help doctors identify warning signs and take preventive action before the disease progresses. By adapting their recommendations to this new demographic trend, healthcare providers hope to improve outcomes and save more lives.
Many people suffer silently with digestive issues for years before finally seeing a doctor, at which point their condition has become more advanced and difficult to manage.
However, early screening can help doctors spot the warning signs of colorectal cancer, allowing for preventive action. Screening can also catch the disease in its early, most treatable stages.
Unfortunately, many people avoid getting colonoscopies due to a fear of the procedure. By the time they do seek medical attention, the cancer has often progressed too far to be easily treated. This reluctance to get screened is problematic, as colorectal cancer is one of the few cancers that’s largely preventable through timely screening.
If you or a loved one are experiencing persistent digestive problems like diarrhea, constipation, bloody stool, abdominal pain, or heartburn, don’t hesitate to speak with your doctor and get screened. Early detection is key to preventing and treating these conditions effectively.
Chris, the founder of Sabra, turned 40 this year. After learning about the alarming increase in colorectal cancer diagnoses among people aged 40-49, he decided it was time for his first colonoscopy. To his pleasant surprise, the doctor performing the procedure was none other than Dr. Janese Laster – a member of ABGH whom Chris had seen present an informative seminar at the ABGH Summit and lead ABGH’s lively Bustin’ a Gut Comedy Show.
Knowing his doctor shared his passion for digestive health advocacy and had a great sense of humor, put Chris at ease. Despite some nervousness over the colonoscopy prep and procedure, the potential to detect cancer or another serious condition far outweighed his concerns. Fortunately, the colonoscopy went smoothly, and after only about an hour, Chris was ready to hear the results.
After the procedure, Dr. Laster delivered the good news that there were no signs of colorectal cancer. Relieved, Chris learned he wouldn’t need another screening for a full decade. To his surprise, he experienced virtually no discomfort following the procedure and was able to jump right back into his work the very next day.
“Any discomfort I may have felt doesn’t hold a candle to the relief I feel knowing I’m cancer-free,” Chris remarked. This full-circle experience, with an ABGH expert caring for him, affirmed the importance of Chris’s and Sabra’s ongoing support for the organization’s crucial work.
To learn more about symptoms and digestive conditions, check out GastroGirl.com.
Their extensive health hub and informative podcasts make Gastro Girl the leading website for all things related to digestion.
Interested in finding a Gastroenterologist near you?
Take a look at ABGH’s network on doctors at www.BlackinGastro.org.
Already been diagnosed and interested in spreading the word, advocating for others, or participating in medical studies?
Visit colorofgi.org. Their ambassadors advocate for minorities struggling to get diagnosed and work with pharmaceutical companies to build more diverse study groups for their new drug trials.