The percentage of U.S. adults age 50 years and older getting screened for colorectal cancer is increasing, according to a study released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. The study uses state-level behavioral risk factor surveillance survey (BRFSS) data that have been combined to estimate that 60.8 percent of adults were current with colorectal cancer screening recommendations in 2006, compared with 53.9 percent in 2002.
Screening prevalence was lower among all racial and ethnic minorities studied compared with whites. The study also reports that screening rates continue to be lower among those without health insurance, with low income, and with less than a high school education. Access the report.
