Screening Rates for Colon Cancer Remain Too Low

Reports are regularly issued which warn that the rates for colon cancer screening are too low. These reports are issued in part with the hope that additional warnings and education will increase the number of people who are getting this important screening done on a regular basis. Despite the education, a new report indicates that colon cancer screening rates continue to be lower than they ought to be. Colorectal cancer creening is recommended for both men and women over the age of fifty. This study shows that only about fifty percent of the patients who fall into this category are getting screening done. This does indicate a rise in the number of patients getting screening in comparison to prior years but is still considered to be too low considering the fact that colon cancer is the second leading cancer killer in the United States. If a lack of education and awareness isn't what's keeping people from getting their colon cancer screening, then what is? The new report indicates that poor health care coverage could be a leading factor in the resistance of many patients to get this important screening. This could indicate a need to push for better colon cancer screening coverage by health insurance. Question of the Day: What is causing colon cancer screening rates to remain lower than they should be? photo link