Cancer screening rates in the United States over the last 15 years fall short of national targets, according to new research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The authors examined National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) data from 2000 to 2015, comparing screening rates for breast, cervical, colorectal and prostate cancer to targets established by the government’s Healthy People 2020 program. They then shared their findings in the CDC’s Preventing Chronic Disease journal.
“Screening is a primary tool for early detection and reduction in deaths from cancer,” wrote the CDC’s Ingrid J. Hall, PhD, MPH, and colleagues. “Examining screening disparities—differences in receipt of screening among population subgroups—over time offers the opportunity to monitor cancer screening successes and advancement toward Healthy People 2020 goals.”
Colorectal screening was the only test that increased in 2015. An increase was found both in women and men. The authors noted that continued work will be needed to keep this trend going in the right direction.
“Focused public health efforts to promote colorectal cancer screening may have helped increase rates over the past 10 years,” Hall and colleagues wrote. “However, sustained efforts will be necessary to increase awareness of the need for screening, continued expansion of insurance coverage, and use of electronic medical records with automatic reminders to patients and physicians for further increases in test use, particularly among those subgroups with the lowest use.”
Looking at screening rates for breast cancer, the authors found that adjusted mammography rates declined by 3 percent from 2000 to 2015, though rates were still “relatively high.” The data showed a mammography rate that exceeded 70 percent, well below the Healthy People 2020 target of 81 percent.
To get closer to those national targets, Hall et al. wrote, work must be done to help the uninsured and other key demographics that consistently have low screening numbers.
“Continued efforts are needed to reduce structural barriers for access to medical care and to increase physician contact to increase the proportion of people counseled and participating in cancer screening, particularly among underserved subgroups,” the authors wrote. “In addition to more consistent physician recommendation, screening promotion efforts for all tests directed at patients need to identify and address barriers among Asians, those without a usual source of care, and the uninsured.”
Michael has more than 16 years of experience as a professional writer and editor. He has written at length about cardiology, radiology, artificial intelligence and other key healthcare topics.