Approximately half of colorectal and cervical cancer cases and one third of breast cancer cases are still diagnosed at a late stage of disease, according to a Surveillance Summary released by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the November 26 issue of Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
Using combined data from CDC’s National Program of Cancer Registries and the National Cancer Institute’s Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database for the years 2004 through 2006, the researchers found that incidence rates differed by age, race/ethnicity, and state of residence. For example, incidence rates of late-stage breast cancer were highest among women aged 60 to 79 years and black women, and incidence rates of late-stage cervical cancer were highest among women aged 50 to 79 years and Hispanic women.
Researchers also assessed screening rates using self-reported data from 2008. Overall 62% of adults met recommended screening guidelines for colorectal cancer, 81% of women aged between 50 and 74 years met screening mammogram guidelines, and 88% of women for whom cervical cancer screening is recommended met those guidelines.
Based on this data, the CDC recommended public health action aimed at identifying these cancers at an earlier, more treatable stage. Because multiple factors may account for underscreening, the authors of the report direct readers to the previously released Community Guide by the US Task Force on Community Preventive Services (www.thecommunityguide.org). The Guide identified three primary strategies to increase screening rates: increasing community demand, increasing community access, and increasing provider delivery. Among the Guide’s recommendations are patient reminder systems, one-on-one provider interactions, reducing structural barriers, reducing financial barriers, and use of provider assessment and feedback to increase screening.