Normalizing the Conversation: Dr. Rachel Issaka on Closing the Gap in Colorectal Cancer Screening
On a recent episode of “The Day With Trae,” host Trae Holiday welcomed Dr. Rachel Issaka, a gastroenterologist at Fred Hutch Cancer Center dedicated to increasing colorectal cancer awareness and improving screening rates within the community. Issaka discussed Fred Hutch’s upcoming Colorectal Cancer Awareness Event happening Saturday, March 7th, 2026.
Addressing Disparities and Barriers
Dr. Issaka shared insights from her clinical background in Chicago, where she noticed a significant divide between patient populations. While patients in affluent downtown areas were often eager to undergo screening, Black and Latino patients in other parts of the city frequently expressed more hesitation, she said.
"Those are the same groups more likely to get colon cancer and they're more likely to die from it compared to their white counterparts,” she said, identifying real-life practical barriers that contribute to this hesitancy, including the difficulty of arranging time off work, securing childcare, and finding transportation for procedures.
Innovative Solutions for the Community
Now practicing in the Pacific Northwest through Fred Hutch and UW Medicine, Dr. Issaka is implementing strategies to dismantle these barriers. One effective approach has been the distribution of at-home testing kits. This program has already helped raise screening rates from 62% to 73% within Fred Hutch’s system, she said.
Beyond access, Dr. Issaka said she aims to alleviate the fear associated with colonoscopies. Addressing the sedation used during the procedure, she noted, "My patients tell me it's the best sleep they've ever had.”
Prevention and Early Detection
Prevention remains a cornerstone of Dr. Issaka’s message, particularly through lifestyle choices. She advised the community to be mindful of alcohol consumption, and pointed out that most Americans do not get the daily recommended amount of fiber, which is critical for maintaining gut health and reducing the risk of developing polyps.
Common symptoms that should not be ignored include blood in the stool, unexplained abdominal pain, or changes in stool shape, she said.
A Call to Action at the YMCA
To help spread information in a welcoming and safe environment, Fred Hutch is hosting a community education event taking place on March 7th from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Matt Griffin YMCA in SeaTac. This free family-friendly gathering will feature a lifesize inflatable colon, physicians to help book appointments, health insurance assistance, free food, and music.
"Let's just start normalizing these conversations very early on so we can all take better care of ourselves and our families,” Dr. Issaka said.
To learn more about colorectal cancer prevention and the event, click here. To register for the event, click here (registration is optional).
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