This article was updated on September 2, 2025 and on November 4, 2026.
Colorectal cancer is a leading cause of cancer deaths in the Latino community, but nearly half of adults are not up to date with recommended screening, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS). Regular screenings — which can include colonoscopies and at-home stool tests — can help prevent colorectal cancer and detect it early on, when it’s easier to treat.
Dr. Rosa Nouvini, MD, of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK), wants people to know the good news about screening tests for colorectal cancer, which can help prevent the disease and are often easier than people think.
Dr. Nouvini is the medical director of the MSK Ralph Lauren Center (RLC), which has served Harlem, the Bronx, and surrounding communities since 2003. The Center provides cancer prevention, diagnosis and support services, regardless of insurance status.
Cancer screening is a particular focus at RLC, including testing for colon and rectal, breast, cervical, prostate and lung cancer. “Screening saves lives and catches cancer at earlier stages, when it is curable,” Dr. Nouvini says. “This is a message we really want people in the community to hear.”
How does colorectal cancer affect the Latino community?
Colorectal cancer is the second most common cancer among Latino men and the second leading cause of cancer death. Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer among Latino women and the third leading cause of cancer death, according to The American Cancer Society. the (ACS).
Who should have colorectal cancer screening?
People of average risk should begin screening for colorectal cancer at age 45. MSK recommends that people at higher risk for colorectal cancer talk with their doctor about when to start screening.
According to 2026 data from the ACS, Hispanic/Latino adults are screened for colorectal cancer at lower rates — 56% versus 67% among non-Hispanic white adults.
Learn more about colorectal screening.
What are some of the barriers to colorectal screening in the Latino community?
Lack of health insurance and access to healthcare resources
“Our research shows that the main barrier to more Latinos being screened for colorectal cancer is concerns about insurance,” says Dr. Nouvini “For some people that means no insurance, or being concerned that the insurance they have won’t cover the cost.”
Dr. Nouvini suggests that people get in touch with their local health authorities, and call doctors and hospitals directly to ask if they offer free or lower-cost colorectal screenings.
“In New York state, for example, there are lots of opportunities for free screenings in different clinics, including MSK’s Ralph Lauren Clinic in Harlem,” she says. “The HHC system, which operates hospitals and clinics across the New York area, also offers many free colorectal screening opportunities.”
MSK doctors also participate in the Citywide Colorectal Cancer Control Coalition (C5), a group that advises the NYC Department of Health and works to increase colorectal cancer awareness and screening.
Resources
- NYS Cancer Services Program offer free or low-cost screening for uninsured and underinsured New Yorkers
- Community members can call 311 or 1-866-442-CANCER (2262) to find out about low-cost or free screening.
- The C5 webpage includes more resources in Spanish.
Lack of doctor engagement
“Many people in the Latino community do not have a primary care physician to encourage them to get screened for colorectal cancer,” Dr. Nouvini says. Even if they do have a primary care doctor, she says, “it may be in a setting with lots of patients and no time to ask questions, or there may be language barriers.”
The result, according to research, is that a crucial opportunity to encourage colorectal screening is lost. “Many patients, including Latinos, don’t want to be told, ‘It’s time for your screening,’ ” she adds. “They want to understand what screening is, what their options are, and what the logistical details are, such as taking a day off work for a colonoscopy.”
TIP: Dr. Nouvini recommends that people bring a list of questions to medical appointments, to make sure their concerns are addressed. These questions can include:
- Am I at risk for colorectal cancer?
- When do you recommend that I start getting tested?
- How often do I need to get tested?
- What are the different types of screening tests for colorectal cancer?
- Which screening test do you recommend for me? Why?
- What happens during the test? How do I prepare?
- Does the test have any risks or side effects?
- How long will it take to get the results?
- What can I do to reduce my risk of colorectal cancer?
- What is the cost?
- Do I have to take days off from work?
- Do I have to be accompanied to the test?
- What is the recovery time?
- Do they offer language interpretation/translator in the clinic?
- Do you have the preparation and other materials in Spanish?
Language and work issues
Dr. Nouvini encourages Latino patients to advocate for Spanish-language services. Families can serve an important role too. “That could mean scheduling doctor appointments for a mother and daughter on the same day,” she notes, “so the daughter can translate for the mother if needed.”
Dr. Nouvini points out that missing a day of work to undergo a colonoscopy can also present a dilemma. “They may work a job where they are paid by the day and are reluctant to lose income,” she says. “But I tell them that colonoscopies can prevent much larger, more invasive healthcare later. And at-home tests are a convenient option to make sure people get screened.”
What are the different types of colorectal screening?
Stool-based tests analyze a sample of a person’s stool to look for signs of cancer inside the colon that can turn into cancer. This is one of the kinds of screening offered at the MSK Ralph Lauren Center.
Many people appreciate that these tests can be used at home and don’t require any preparation. If the test results are abnormal, follow-up colonoscopy is needed.
A colonoscopy looks directly inside the colon and rectum. A thin, flexible tube is inserted into the colon. The tube contains a camera to look for polyps that can grow into cancer. If any are discovered, they can be easily removed by the doctor during the colonoscopy. A similar procedure called a sigmoidoscopy looks at a shorter section of the colon.
During a colonoscopy, doctors can find and remove polyps, which can prevent colorectal cancer from developing.
Learn more about how at-home screening compares to colonoscopies.
Colorectal cancer among people under 50
Colorectal cancer rates have been declining among older adults, thanks to more screening and advances in treatment, many of them pioneered at MSK.
However, there has been a disturbing rise in recent years of colorectal cancer among people younger than 50, including younger people in the Latino community. These younger people are often not diagnosed until the cancer is advanced, making it harder to treat.
MSK established the first center in the world devoted to the specific needs of people under 50 who are diagnosed with colorectal cancer.
Learn more about MSK’s Center for Young Onset Colorectal and Gastrointestinal Cancers.
Symptoms of colon cancer
Because colorectal cancer may cause few or no symptoms, people of any age should talk with a healthcare professional about concerning or persistent symptoms, including:
- Rectal bleeding or blood in your stool.
- A change in your bowel habits, such as diarrhea, constipation, or narrow stool, that lasts more than a few days.
- Unexplained abdominal pain or cramping.
- A persistent urge to have a bowel movement that doesn’t go away after you have one.
- Unexplained weakness and fatigue.
- Unintended weight loss.
- A diagnosis of anemia.
- Women who have bloating that doesn’t go away or happens with unexplained weight loss.