CDC: Most Americans Still Not Having Recommended Screenings

Since 1997, despite increased public awareness campaigns, there has been only a small increase in screening for colorectal cancer and most Americans still do not have the recommended tests, according to U.S. public health officials..

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control released data for 2001 that showed that fewer than half of adults aged 50 and older had ever had either a colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy or fecal occult blood test (see related CDC Fact Sheet).

"Despite small increases in the self-reported use of colorectal cancer tests, screening rates remain low," the CDC researchers reported in their Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report..

The CDC said screening rates varied widely across the United States with fewer than three in 10 people aged 50 or older reporting having had a test in Puerto Rico compared to a high of almost two out of three reporting they had a test in the District of Columbia.

Other sources: CDC