Health: Colorectal Cancer Screening Rates Are Too Low, According To New CDC Report
By Stephanie Stahl
PHILADELPHIA (CBS)--Millions of Americans could be putting themselves at risk for colorectal cancer because they're not taking a crucial step. 3 On Your Side Health Reporter Stephanie Stahl has more on a new government report.
63-year-old Janie Dickson knew she waited longer than recommended to get her first colonoscopy.
"They had to push me a bit because my husband went and what I saw, what you had to drink I kind of went oh no," said Janie.
It's recommend adults 50 and older get a colonoscopy every ten years or a specialized fecal test every year to detect colorectal cancer at its earliest stages.
But new research from the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention shows not enough people are getting screened.
"We have excellent screening tests that actually if we find colorectal cancer early by screening for it, we can cure 90 percent of all colorectal cancers," said Dr. Marcus Plescia, Director of the CDC's Cancer Programs.
The new data shows more than 20 million Americans ages 50 to 75 have never been tested for colorectal cancer and that one in three adults are not up to date with their screenings.
"We know that people who actually make a choice for the test they want, those people are likely to go on and get the test done," said Dr. Plescia.
Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among cancers that affect both men and women.
Doctors say no matter what test you choose, screening saves lives.
