Getting regular cancer screenings is one of the best ways to spot disease but a new report from the Centers for Disease Control indicates that two few Americans – especially Hispanics and Asian Americans – are taking advantage of the chance to find out if they have a problem.
The CDC has set screening targets that include screening 93 percent of women for cervical cancer, 81 percent of women for breast cancer and 70.5 percent of men and women for colorectal cancer.
Overall, none of those targets were met in 2010 but the rate among Asians and Hispanics was especially low. For example, only 46.9 percent of Asians and 46.5 percent of Hispanics were screened for colorectal cancer.
The co-authors of the study said that lack of insurance was a major issue.
In case you're one of those who didn't get screened, here are recommendations from the US Preventive Services Task Force:
Breast cancer: A mammogram every two years for women between 50 and 74. (Other experts say more frequent mammograms might be better for some women. Check with your doctor about this.)
Cervical cancer: Women 21 to 65 should have a Pap test at least once every three years. Women who have been sexually active for at least three years should also have a Pap test at least every three years.
Colorectal cancer: Men and women 50 to 75 who are at average risk should take a fecal occult blood test at home every year and should be screened using sigmoidoscopy every five years. This same group should have a colonoscopy every 10 years. (This is another situation where the recommended frequency depends on your personal risk. Your doctor can tell you how often you should be screened.)