Colon Cancer Death Rates Down Thanks to Screenings

Colon cancer death rates are down thanks to screenings. This latest news on colon cancer came out on Tuesday via a federal report. The rates have continued to go down steadily but experts state that more testing could save more lives.

Throughout the U.S.A., this type of cancer declined from 52.3 per 100,000 people in 2003 to 45.4 per 100,000 people in 2007 with 32,000 fewer deaths. Altogether, the numbers showed that there were 66,000 fewer cases of this disease.

This is undoubtedly an amazing news. During a time when there is constantly newer tactics medicine can take to battle diseases, one has to wonder what else is ahead. What would be the numbers if the federal report ran their numbers today?

CDC Director Thomas R. Frieden stated, "One thing we know is that screening works. Colon cancer is largely preventable. If you find it early enough, you can prevent cancer."

About half of declining death rates was attributed to screenings. Unfortunately, it seems that screenings are no longer as popular as they use to be because not enough doctors are recommending it to their patients. So, that leaves you to be in charge with bringing up the subject yourself. In the end, it is your body and your life so please remember how important it is to get screened for colon cancer!

© Evalynn J. Saeyang – Gather Inc. 2011

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