WASHINGTON - Screening for colorectal cancer improved among white, black, and Asian-Americans age 50 and over between 2000 and 2008, according to the latest News and Numbers from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.
However, screening of Hispanics , who have the third-highest death rate from colorectal cancer, barely improved and the rate for American Indians and Alaska Natives rate fell. The two groups have the third- and fifth-highest colorectal cancer death rates, respectively.
The federal agency also found that:
Colon cancer kills nearly 600,000 Americans a year. Screening is important because early stages of colorectal cancer may not present symptoms and the tests can detect abnormal growths before they turn into cancer.
This AHRQ News and Numbers is based on information in the 2010 National Healthcare Disparities Report, which examines the disparities in Americans' access to and quality of health care, with breakdowns by race, ethnicity, income, and education.