Researchers found the racial disparity in colon cancer screening is higher in communities that have more physicians, according to a MedPage Today report.
Data from almost 975,000 Texas Medicare beneficiaries was analyzed, and researchers found the overall screening rate in whites was 40.7 percent, compared to 35 percent in blacks and 28.7 percent in Hispanics. In areas where there were more physicians, screening rates in whites increased while the rate stayed the same or decreased in blacks. The odds of undergoing a colonoscopy was 20 percent lower for blacks and 32 percent lower for Hispanics.
Related Articles on Colon Cancer Screening:
Colonics Gains Popularity as Treatment, Preparation for Colonoscopy
Colorectal Cancer Incidence Increasing in Adults Under 50
More than Half of Seniors Screened for Colon Cancer Despite Risks, Limited Benefit
Data from almost 975,000 Texas Medicare beneficiaries was analyzed, and researchers found the overall screening rate in whites was 40.7 percent, compared to 35 percent in blacks and 28.7 percent in Hispanics. In areas where there were more physicians, screening rates in whites increased while the rate stayed the same or decreased in blacks. The odds of undergoing a colonoscopy was 20 percent lower for blacks and 32 percent lower for Hispanics.
Related Articles on Colon Cancer Screening:
Colonics Gains Popularity as Treatment, Preparation for Colonoscopy
Colorectal Cancer Incidence Increasing in Adults Under 50
More than Half of Seniors Screened for Colon Cancer Despite Risks, Limited Benefit