With over three million Americans suffering some form of inflammatory bowel disease, you’d think pinpointing and treating these kinds of conditions would be easy. But that’s far from the case. In fact, for the longest time, these types of disorders were thought to be ‘white people problems.’
However, that all changed from 1970 to 2010 when the number of cases diagnosed in Black folks skyrocketed by over 130 percent.
Nowadays, you don’t need to look far to find someone suffering from ulcerative colitis (UC) or some other inflammatory bowel disease. Roughly 33 percent of people with such diseases are Black. Not only do problems from UC afflict more Black men and women than previously thought, but they also lead to more serious symptoms, longer hospitalization periods, and greater risk of death.
So, if you’re experiencing symptoms that have yet to go undiagnosed, it’s a good idea to be proactive. Here are six reasons UC goes undiagnosed so frequently in the Black community.
1. Uncommon Symptoms
You might be thinking, alright, if problems with my gut and bowel movements continue, I’ll speak to a doctor and get to the bottom of it. But not so fast. As a Black man or woman, your symptoms can be a little different.
It’s not always just frequent bowel movements, cramping, and discomfort.
Research indicates that your problems will usually affect the rectum and the left section of your colon. So basically, if you've got persistent pain near your bottom, with diarrhea and bloody stool, it’s a good idea to get checked out.
And don’t forget that UC doesn’t just affect the colon. You may also experience inflammation in your joints - and yes, your eyes - stemming from UC.
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2. Poor Screening
Your doctor can use a lot of tests to screen for potential UC. From blood samples to stool tests, and colonoscopies, it’s all on the table. Nothing says fun like having a tube with a light and camera inserted in there, huh?
But just remember, not all are necessarily useful. A blood test can look for conditions like anemia but won’t necessarily pinpoint UC. Given that Black patients are diagnosed at a significantly later age with UC, your best bet is just to get it all done. Comprehensive testing may not be enjoyable, but it can reduce all doubt of what’s really going on.
3. It’s Expensive
In today’s economy, good money ain’t easy to come by. Unfortunately, treatments for conditions like UC are far from cheap. Depending on the severity, Black patients with UC can expect to spend north of $20,000 per year. If you have private insurance, your chances are better, but with Medicaid or Medicare, the likelihood of getting successful surgery can plummet.
What can you do? The simplest thing - if you’re struggling for good insurance - is to be proactive. Note your symptoms, get them fully screened, and live a healthy lifestyle.
Speaking of lifestyle, let’s cover that next…
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4. Problem Diet
Sometimes, convenience is king. You grab some fast food after work, you throw together some processed meals when you’re tired or don’t feel like cooking. Or maybe you hang with family and get pressured to eat their food, which while delicious, isn't exactly ideal for your body.
The easiest thing you can do if you have symptoms of UC is to constantly hydrate, eat smaller meals, and reduce fiber. Oftentimes, Black folks just accept symptoms of UC as a product of what they eat, not realizing that all those processed meats, sugary drinks, dairy, and spicy meals are triggering flare-ups of an actual disease.
5. Lack of Black Enterologists
Enterologists are doctors specializing in intestines (what a job). But here’s the thing. According to the Association of Black Gastroenterologists and Hepatologists (ABGH), fewer than four percent of gastroenterologists and hepatologists in the U.S. identify as Black. Moreover, under six percent of active physicians in total identify as Black.
In other words, it’s hard to find someone who truly understands how UC affects you differently!
6. Medical Distrust
This one dovetails with a lack of Black enterologists. Because fewer specialists intimately understand UC symptoms unique to Black people, it can be hard to connect with the community overall.
Research also indicates that the community is less likely to seek medical help and more likely to simply endure the symptoms as part of life.
As a Black man or woman, you have every right to access the highest quality of care. If you suspect you have signs of UC, BlackDoctor.org is one resource you can trust! Get informed, speak with friends, and take your time to find a specialist who is there for you as a person, not just a patient.
Health is wealth. In the end, it’s more than worth the investment.
