The risk for colorectal cancer in adults with cystic fibrosis is 5–10 times greater than the general population, and even higher for people with CF who receive a lung or other solid organ transplant. Find out how early screening can help reduce your risk.
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I struggled emotionally after learning that after negative carrier and newborn screens, my son had cystic fibrosis. I’m now advocating for people with rare mutations.
My son, who is Black, has cystic fibrosis. It seems like just a normal fact of life, but I have become frustrated with having to convince doctors that he really does have CF. I hope that one day people of color won’t have to have the same experience.
I was recently diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at age 67. Although I love my CF care team, I think it will be important for them to understand age-related care in addition to CF care — especially as the CF population ages.
I have had a fortunate life with cystic fibrosis given the fact that I married, had two kids, and a career. However, with increasing — and sometimes bewildering — health issues, I’m beginning to wonder whether it’s my CF or just aging, or something in between.
People like me are living longer — median survival for someone with cystic fibrosis is now 56 thanks to research and care. But as I grow older, my health is getting more complicated and I'll need my care to keep up.
Cystic fibrosis affects people of every racial and ethnic group. Of the nearly 40,000 people living with CF in the U.S., approximately 15% are identified as racially or ethnically diverse. Research shows that people of color with CF, particularly people who are Black and Hispanic, experience unique challenges and often have negative experiences that can lead to poorer outcomes. Some of these inequities are referenced in the following data.
The Foundation seeks to advance its mission by making improvements in key areas of health equity and outcomes and diverse workforce development.
The Foundation’s commitment to these principles will continue to be a cornerstone of the Foundation’s work to advance our mission in 2023.
Although adults with cystic fibrosis are at a significantly higher risk of developing colorectal cancer than the general population, colonoscopy screening is an effective way to prevent and treat colorectal cancer by helping to detect and remove polyps. People with CF should be screened starting at age 40 (or 30 for those who have had a transplant). Find out how early screening can help reduce the risk.