Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the US. The US Preventive Services Task Force had recommended that people above fifty must go for colonoscopy to be screened for cancer. However, a study conducted by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality revealed a very gloomy picture with over 50% of Americans above fifty years never had a colonoscopy.
The AHRQ survey found:
47.1% white Americans never had a screening colonoscopy
55.8% blacks did not have colonoscopy
67% of Hispanics above fifty years did not have colonoscopy
77% of uninsured people between ages 50 and 64 never had a screening colonoscopy
54.1% people covered by private insurance did not have a colonoscopy
61% of Americans covered by Medicad and other public health insurances did not go for a colonoscopy
Earlier studies showed similar grim picture on the US health front with Washington housing the largest number of HIV infected people who are not even aware that they are suffering from a deadly ailment. Over 40 million US citizens do not even have access to basic health care. With the Presidential elections round the corner, the US administration should take cognizance over the health issues afflicting millions in the country.
Source: Medicalnewstoday
Image: Dhmc