Cancer Screening Rates Fall in US

Over the past decade, the United States has seen a decrease in advanced cancer diagnoses. There has also been an increase in the number of cancer survivors returning to work. Tainya C. Clarke, from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine (Florida, USA), and colleagues compared screening trends among all cancer survivors, working survivors, and the general population over the last decade.  The researchers used the recommended cancer screening rates set by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and looked at data from the National Health Interview Survey between 1997 and 2010. In total, 174,393 people were included in the study analysis, with 7,528 employed cancer survivors and 119,374 people representing the general population.  Results showed that the general public did not meet government recommendations for cancer screenings for any cancer types except colorectal cancer. Cancer survivors, who are at an increased risk of developing the disease, had higher screening rates and underwent the recommended cancer screenings for all types except cervical cancer, which decreased to 78% over the last decade. The study also showed a decline among cancer survivors who sought cancer screenings over the last three years. Observing that: “national screening rates are lower than desired, and disparities exist by cancer history and occupation,” the study authors urge that: “Understanding existing disparities, and the impact of cancer screening on survivors is crucial as the number of working survivors increases.”